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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
That was powerful stuff. I have read Campbell's [b:The Hero With a Thousand Faces|588138|The Hero With a Thousand Faces|Joseph Campbell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442885694l/588138._SY75_.jpg|971054] more than a decade ago and it felt like coming home. I especially loved the sheer variety of topics and how the authors managed to show the practical application of mythological themes to the individual. There is a purpose why myth exists and it's striking how similar the stories sometimes are between completely different cultures.
My personal highlight was the revelation that violence and compassion are both part of the human nature. It would be awesome to overcome the lust for power and to end all wars but it's so deeply rooted within us that it's nothing more than wishful thinking. This also explains why the ancient Heroes, in addition to a deep compassion for their people, have the wits and the power to overcome any obstacles. Talking alone is rarely enough.
Another thing that stood out was the theme of willingly sacrificing one's own life to make room for something new. You die physically to be reborn spiritually. Or a god dies to create new life. This is so different from our society that values youth so high and banishes death.
Finally I really enjoyed the chapter about love. It put into words how the joy and the suffering shapes our human lives and why it's different from lust or marriage. Just look at the tragedies where the lover birds are not allowed to stay together and how willingly they would end their life here and now just for this right.
There is a lot to ponder about and I imagine that the more you live your own life the more you will understand different aspects of mythology in new ways.
The book is based on a TV interview series, which is available on YouTube.
My personal highlight was the revelation that violence and compassion are both part of the human nature. It would be awesome to overcome the lust for power and to end all wars but it's so deeply rooted within us that it's nothing more than wishful thinking. This also explains why the ancient Heroes, in addition to a deep compassion for their people, have the wits and the power to overcome any obstacles. Talking alone is rarely enough.
Another thing that stood out was the theme of willingly sacrificing one's own life to make room for something new. You die physically to be reborn spiritually. Or a god dies to create new life. This is so different from our society that values youth so high and banishes death.
Finally I really enjoyed the chapter about love. It put into words how the joy and the suffering shapes our human lives and why it's different from lust or marriage. Just look at the tragedies where the lover birds are not allowed to stay together and how willingly they would end their life here and now just for this right.
There is a lot to ponder about and I imagine that the more you live your own life the more you will understand different aspects of mythology in new ways.
The book is based on a TV interview series, which is available on YouTube.
Aunque escrito en forma de diálogo, lo que hace que no sea un ensayo en sí y, por tanto, menos sistemático que los grandes libros de Campbell, la exposición tematicas y las reflexiones del autor son muy precisas y dotadas del bagaje mítico que sólo una dilatada experiencia concede.
This book was interesting in the way that it follows themes of all the myths and traditions of the cultures in this world. I didn't agree with the theology in the book.
This was amazing and quite the experience. I was surprised at how philosophical this book was, but then I really shouldn't have been based on what myths are. But I loved how they connected everything together. Joseph Campbell really was an excellent teacher.
If I could give extra stars for the new thoughts and ideas inspired from this, it could reach infinite proportions.
Rather than write a review of this man's life work, I'd rather just cite the various posts I've written about him in the past:
• Monomyth Definition: A Defense of The Hero’s Journey
• Hindu Monotheism : The Upanishads and Vedanta
• Follow Your Bliss : Results of Joseph Cambell’s Advice
• The New
Hero: Tolkien and Subversion
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Was Joseph Campbell atheist?
And because I like having fun, the Zero with 1,000 Faces
Mark: Got a new lighting rig and arrangement that I want to test out, but I need something that changes and moves around a bunch. You up for a challenge?
Lancelot: [silence. I’m thinking…]
Mark: Day… in the… studio?
Lancelot: New lighting set up?
Mark: Yeah, it’s–
Lancelot: What if I tapped into my old thespian and modeling skillset and tried to give you as many faces as possible?
Mark: So… you’d… wait. Like trying to get me to mix it up as you mix it up?
Lancelot: Yes. You’ll keep me on my toes, making sure the faces are all different. I’ll keep you on your toes so you switch your style.
Mark: Sounds fun.
Lancelot: We’ll call it… [Dr. Evil voice] THE ZERO WITH 1000 FACES.
Mark: [Quiet for awhile, then:] Okay.
Well we got into the studio and I brought exactly four billion props and costumes.
• Monomyth Definition: A Defense of The Hero’s Journey
• Hindu Monotheism : The Upanishads and Vedanta
• Follow Your Bliss : Results of Joseph Cambell’s Advice
• The New
Hero: Tolkien and Subversion
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Was Joseph Campbell atheist?
And because I like having fun, the Zero with 1,000 Faces
Mark: Got a new lighting rig and arrangement that I want to test out, but I need something that changes and moves around a bunch. You up for a challenge?
Lancelot: [silence. I’m thinking…]
Mark: Day… in the… studio?
Lancelot: New lighting set up?
Mark: Yeah, it’s–
Lancelot: What if I tapped into my old thespian and modeling skillset and tried to give you as many faces as possible?
Mark: So… you’d… wait. Like trying to get me to mix it up as you mix it up?
Lancelot: Yes. You’ll keep me on my toes, making sure the faces are all different. I’ll keep you on your toes so you switch your style.
Mark: Sounds fun.
Lancelot: We’ll call it… [Dr. Evil voice] THE ZERO WITH 1000 FACES.
Mark: [Quiet for awhile, then:] Okay.
Well we got into the studio and I brought exactly four billion props and costumes.