While we use terms like factual and true as if they were synonyms, they can have different meanings. When we read something like Shakespeare’s plays, we know that they were fictional creations even if they are about actual historical figures. Other pieces of fiction may be totally imaginary. Sometimes, when we read a piece of fiction we may discover that it is true-to-life as we have experienced it. At other times, we may learn a new, true idea expressed in the fictional piece. We may find truth in a bit of writing which is not literally factual at all. A similar thing can happen with a movie or TV show. We know that “Happy Days” was just a good script with some talented actors, but we may learn some true things about family and friendship within the comedy. In the Harry Potter books and later, movies, we may learn about bravery, sacrifice, and courage among other values. These can be true insights even in an enjoyable fantasy. Even ancient fables like those of Aesop may startle us by their continued relevance. The story of the dog who laid in the manger on the hay to prevent the cows from eating because the hungry dog couldn’t eat hay reveals much to us about envy and jealousy. The mouse who was released by the lion and later chewed through the lion’s captive ropes can show us the benefit of gratitude. Even the made-up tale can speak truth to us if we are perceptive. The question is not “did it actually happen,” but “what is true in the story from which we can learn?”