True Narratives are factual transcripts about specific events or experiences that took place often presented in a storytelling format. Its goal is to portray real-life events without any hint of fictional embellishments. Examples of True Narratives are as follows: biographies, autobiographies, historical events, and documentaries.
Testimonies, on the other hand, are a declaration of truth and facts. These are based on one's experience in a particular matter or a significant occurrence that they witnessed first-hand. Testimonies are frequently used in legal settings often by witnesses. Testimonies are also correlated with sharing one's story of religion and spiritual journey in faith.
A prime example of what a true narrative should look like is Mitch Albom's "tuesdays with Morrie."
1.) Introduction - The title of the book is "tuesdays with Morrie" and it is a true narrative written by author Mitch Albom. His story tells us about the reality of death and its inevitability through the life of his professor, Morrie Schwartz. That those who have realized the significance and absurdity of life in this world are guaranteed the certainty of the mystery of life itself.
2.) Summary - The author's purpose is to provide a more-than-one perspective on how a person should tackle on life. One of main points brought up in the story is that we'd bought into society's lie about what a meaningful life entailed, that we fail to take our time to just sit back and enjoy what's most meaningful to us. Mitch also specified Morrie's take on material objects—that it wasn't the nicest television, the latest fashion, or trendy cars that mattered, but the years of love and connection that gave him true joy and meaning in his days. To be able to turn away from a culture that does not make for a fulfilling life, and instead create a new meaning and purpose for us. It could mean spending precious time with loved ones rather than working endless hours that loses its meaning after the job is done.
3.) Evaluation - It seems the author is someone who has truly learned about life's greatest lesson and is eager to share it with the whole world. The words that came from a dying old man who is still full of passion for those around him was able to move hearts and touch souls full of doubts and insecurities of the future. Everyone is just so distracted with their everyday lives so much to the point where we developed a society where everyone is anxious, depressed, unbelieving, and lacked the energy to experience the essence of simple living. Thanks to Albom's masterpiece, we are reminded of what really matters in life. The things that we should hold on to and value with our whole lives. So that we will not be regretful, rather we'll get to experience the blessing of living to the utmost.
4.) Conclusion - I started reading tuesdays with Morrie with an expectation that it would be in someway a tear-jerker, but that turned out to be the understatement of the century. It was successful in making me contemplate and pause multiple times in between the pages of his narrative. I am confident enough to say that this book does indeed has in it, the greatest life lessons one could ever learn. It was able to bring me fresh perspectives about living that I have never considered before. I more than agreed with what came out of a seasoned individual, and I made sure to emulate his teachings in his memory. Overall, this book by Mitch Albom is a book that everyone should read at least once in their life. It evokes for change to happen in a person. It is capable of redefining how people view life in general. Giving more value to the little things and moments in life is what this book found the most meaning in and I could not agree more.
