Joseph Campbell (contradiction, beliefs, creation, myths, experience)

[Sunstone]

I've heard two views of Joseph Campbell's beliefs about myth. The first view states that Campbell, like Jung, believed that myth arose out of universal, inherent archetypes. The second view states (in contradiction to the first) that Campbell believed myths originated in unique acts of creation by poets, artists, etc. and were then culturally diffused. Help! Which view of Campbell's beliefs is correct?

Also, what do you believe: Are myths manifestations of an archetypical aspect of human nature or psychology, or are they unique acts of orignality and creation?

[Lightkeeper]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

I've heard two views of Joseph Campbell's beliefs about myth. The first view states that Campbell, like Jung, believed that myth arose out of universal, inherent archetypes. The second view states (in contradiction to the first) that Campbell believed myths originated in unique acts of creation by poets, artists, etc. and were then culturally diffused. Help! Which view of Campbell's beliefs is correct?
Also, what do you believe: Are myths manifestations of an archetypical aspect of human nature or psychology, or are they unique acts of orignality and creation?

I have studied a lot of Joseph Campbell and I believe he thought myths were universal to all mankind. That makes a lot of sense to me and explains why ancient religions thousands of miles apart had similar themes. He described it this way. The energies that are created by our organs and glands interacting with each other are given names. If you ever watch his PBS series The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers, you will hear him say this. So, to answer your questions we creatively name our inner workings.

[Sunstone]

I've been reading a great deal in neurobiology recently that would support Campbell's thesis.

[The Voice of Reason]

I am completely ignorant of Campbell's writings. I just found a website on him, and will try to catch up. Look's like an interesting man.

TVOR

[Lightkeeper]

After he finished college he spent 5 years in a cabin in the woods reading mythology and related subjects. Can you imagine what his parents must have thought? He spoke from experience when he said follow your bliss. I doubt his parents thought he would be world reknown.

[Sunstone]

When it comes to elucidating the meaning of myths, Campbell is surpassed by none. You'd enjoy reading him, Voice. His prose is a little difficult to get into at first, but after a while, it becomes second nature to read it. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Campbell changed how I view religion, myth, art, literature, folklore, and many other things.

[Lightkeeper]

He effected me in the same way. Here are a couple of quotes from him.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. (Does this remind you of "You must lose your life to save it?)
Joseph Campbell You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. (This would be like meditation)
Joseph Campbell

[Sunstone]

Campbell was expert at following his bliss. No doubt that wasn't always easy, and no doubt it often required great courage on his part to do so. But what strikes me most about the statements of his that you quote, Lightkeeper, is that they show a man who spent considerable time and effort getting to know himself -- getting to know what his bliss was -- and taking precautions against loosing sight of it.

On this board, we've often discussed the concept of being true to yourself, which is at heart the same concept as following your bliss, but we seldom remark on how exactly to go about discovering what your bliss is, and how to keep sight of it. The statements you quote of Campbell's are good advice.

[Lightkeeper]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Campbell was expert at following his bliss. No doubt that wasn't always easy, and no doubt it often required great courage on his part to do so. But what strikes me most about the statements of his that you quote, Lightkeeper, is that they show a man who spent considerable time and effort getting to know himself -- getting to know what his bliss was -- and taking precautions against loosing sight of it.

On this board, we've often discussed the concept of being true to yourself, which is at heart the same concept as following your bliss, but we seldom remark on how exactly to go about discovering what your bliss is, and how to keep sight of it. The statements you quote of Campbell's are good advice.

From what I remember of him, he knew what his bliss was from childhood. I do agree it did take courage to follow it. Can you imagine the flack he must have received spending several years in a cabin in the woods.