Joseph Campbell was a mythology and religion scholar. He was a professor, writer, and lecturer. He is famous for his works such as A Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Mask of God, and Historical Atlas of World Mythology. He is also acclaimed for his famous interview with the radio commentator Bill Moyers regarding myths and the advantages of these in an individual's life.
In his 1997 interview with Bill Moyers, Joseph Campbell emphasized the way to read myths because of their relevance in the attainment of one's happiness. He said that myths should not be read literally for it is a metaphorical revelation of truth. According to him, truth is beyond words, it is beyond what man can conceive, so a myth is necessary for it tries to reveal that truth.
For Joseph Campbell, the pattern of the quest of the heroes in the mythological stories mirrors that of man's own quest, that is, journeying somewhere and finding something to bring home. But for man, this something is not material, rather, it is the joy hidden in one's own heart. And this bliss is only accessible if one takes the journey within, and if one is willing to slay the dragon within that hinders his path towards finding his bliss. Campbell emphasized that one should find and follow his bliss.
Joseph Campbell also pointed out that reading and understanding myth will help one see hope during the trying moment of one's life. And like in the heroes of mythological tales, the trials man encounter in life can strengthen him or destroy him, depending on how he perceived and analyzed the events in his life.
Joseph Campbell was not at-ease with the dogmatism of religion for it tends to see its own belief only, limited to the constraints of its dogma, and being blind to the wisdom myths can offer. He preferred the shamans who were upholders of myth over the priests of Christianity, who by their rigid adherence to dogma put Christ farther away from the Christians. Joseph Campbell cited Christ and Buddha as examples of people that can help one achieve his happiness. But he warned that these persons cannot teach one the way to be happy, no one could. Even myth does not promise the way to happiness, it only tells humanity that bliss is achievable.
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4 comments:
Interesting insight in this topic. Opens up you mind. Thanks
Informative and interesting blog. Thanks for sharing the You Tube. It was awesome!
Hi Laura,
Great post! I too have studied the works of the late mythologist Joseph Campbell. He broke ground and carved a path of such great insight into the soul of man. Knowledge of "the heroes journey" and the meaning of myth has truly illuminated my life and continues to give me hope and understanding as I walk through my own maze.
Joseph's teachings are invaluable and within reach for anyone who seeks to understand the meaning of life and its rich layers of wisdom
that might otherwise lay hidden.
Thanks!
interesting topic, nice blog...
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