The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
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Book Reviews of The Power of Myth
Book Review: Life Affirming Inspiration that Remains Timeless and Universal
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always, from an early age, been fascinated with all forms of mythology and in The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell's exploration of the origins mythology through the diverse traditions and cultures throughout the world, opened a new avenue to explore my facination on the formation of myth and as a way to relate it to my own life journey.
The Power of Myth is a transcript of television interviews with Bill Moyer and Joseph Campbell. I watched the fascinating and engaging televised interview in the late 1980's when it first aired on PBS. Campbell's extensive life work covered and incorporated a plethora of legends, lore, and ancient myths from Africa, India, the Far East, Native America, Medieval Europe to demonstrate that acros the globe, all societies and cultures create myths because humans have the innate desire and need to question, to understand, to know...how did we come to exist, why are we here, what is our purpose?
Campbell's contribution to the world of myths, cultures, and rituals is incomparable. His insight regarding the power of myth challenges the reader to view the world through a different lens and to see ourselves as a part of the interconnected web of life. It is through the acknowledgement and understanding that it's within the construct of our collective customs, rituals, cultures, and traditions that leads us on the quest to for life, meaning, and self-realization. The ability to understand why myths are important in our lives; that myths are the foundation on which societies form their ideas, mores, values, and religion, is the essence of the power of myth.
Joseph Campbell was a scholar whose writing was from the heart and soul. His eloquent works motivated me to explore my beliefs about life, growth, love, spirituality and religion. This stimulating book will appeal to anyone who appreciates stimulating dialog about what living and being fully alive really means.
Book Review: Thought-provoking
Summary: 5 Stars
There is a reviewer in here who said that this book wasn't fit to read even for students in philosophy classes or whatever. I strongly disagree. This book is a wonderful introduction to the world's myths. I would have never picked this book up if it weren't for my dad, another avid reader. I've had this book for several months and had to put it down in between readings since it was not grabbing my interest like it should. (It's easy to see why, this book should be read and thoroughly enjoyed and pondered upon, of which I simply did not have the time to do so!)
I wish I had a copy of this book in my world history class in college because it would have made that class so much more interesting. It is a compliation of interviews between Bill Moyer and Joseph Campbell. It sounds boring since it is basically a transcripts of their TV interviews, but it really isn't. It is thoroughly interesting and the passion Campbell has for his education, thoughts, desires and life shines through the written word. And Campbell is a very passionate man, full of life and ideas. Men (or women) like him do not come along that often and this book is a great introduction to a forward thinker on the thoughts and philosophy of the world's myths, religions, history and more.
The basic premise of Campbell's philosophy in this book is to follow your bliss. There is more to life than what meets the eye and he uses examples after examples of old myths to show the idea that mankind has always been on the search for purpose of life, how to live life fully and how religion can hamper that desire. It is very interesting and very thought-provoking and insightful look in the human need to know where he/she belongs.
I know that my dad is a big fan of Campbell's work so I am sure he'll be passing along other books of Campbell's. I have to admit that after reading this one, I am even more intrigued.
7/25/08
Book Review: The essence of human beliefs
Summary: 5 Stars
I first came in contact with Joseph Campbell's "The Power of Myth" while taking a Mythological Backgrounds class in college. I also have had the chance to view, in several opportunities, the video series in which Bill Moyers interviews Joseph Campbell (the full transcript of the video interview is contained within this book). In the "Power of Myth" Joseph Campbell addresses the very essence of human beliefs and the need for people to identify themselves with an entity or entities (depending on the culture) that will act as a vehicle to fulfill their innermost spiritual needs. Throughout the book the reader will witness a development; a change in the tone, mood, and objective of the interview. What begins as a dicotomy of schools of thoughts (based upon the manner in which the interview begins) gradually evolves into a series of discoveries that culminate with the realization that human beings cross-culturally possess very similar beliefs, if not the same. Within the pages of this book you will find Joseph Campbell's contemporary and candid approach to the portrayal of beliefs, religion, and spiritually. Campbell uses methaphors sucha as "... our beliefs constitute the software that allows our hardware to function ... [sic]." Campbell enables the reader to travel into the realm of the inner self, identifying and explaining the conceptual ideas that we are often inspired to talk about when we come face to face with something majestic (which generally occurs when we are away from the hassle of our daily routines), in practical terms. If you read this book you will be undoubtedly touched not only by the depth of Joseph Campbell's knowledge but also by the manner in which he delivers his knowledge to the reader, and to Bill Moyers. This is the type of book that will truly take you full circle to place you face to face with your true inner self.Book Review: Crazy Joe
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the transcript of the Bill Moyers interview with Joseph Campbell done with him years and years ago-a stunning interview-a stunning book. Readers will enjoy the book format because let's face it-when Crazy Joe Campbell was talking-sometimes we needed more time than which was given to "absorb what was said." From talking about the Great Seal on the American dollar bill and it's mythological connections-to pouring over a letter from Chief Seattle to George Washington about the purchase of land, this book is never uninteresting.And to give Bill Moyers due credit as well as an excellent journalist who always knows the right question to ask-and whom unlike a lot of journalists today-actually cares about what he is and was covering. In fact, sometimes Moyers says something quite insightful on his own-it is the coming together of two great minds in a question and answer format-that produces the end result of genius-pure genius. If you are unfamiliar with the Bill Moyers interview, I would recommend purchasing it on here, the 6 tapes, or waiting until PBS airs it again-they always do. Afterall, it's one of PBS's all time ratings grabber. The reason I say that is hearing the way Joe Campbell speaks, seeing in flesh just how engaging of a man he is-allows the reader to "imagine him speaking through the book." To me-that makes a huge difference.
This book is a winnner all the way-regardless of what religious background you hail from-what sort of philosophy if any you engage-this book will certainly impress you the reader. It could actually change someone's life in the context of stimulating someone's interest enough in mythology-to begin looking into it. Or, it can broaden your insight into your own spiritual life in of which you have already established. Any way you toss this book up-it's heads. So buy it.
Book Review: Joseph Campbell Rocks - Sizzling Publications Review
Summary: 5 Stars
Joseph Campbell rocks. I just finished reading The Power of Myth, an interview he did with Bill Moyers back in 1985 and all I can say is, "Wow."
When discussing Joseph Campbell, one would be remiss to not include one, if not several of his quotes. The most popular by far is the follow your bliss quote:
If you follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one that you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.
I love this quote. It's so simple; do what you want to do. When I was a kid, there were two things that I knew I wanted to accomplish in my life: become a teacher and a writer. I feel like those two careers are a part of my biology. There were times when I tried to change my course. I tried resisting the natural path of my life only to discover that resistance was time-consuming and useless. Following my bliss has always been the less stressful way of life.
Mythology has always been fascinating to me. There is something about the zealous gods, the superfluous heroism and the crazy women who make Tyler Perry's Madea look as tame and innocent as a kitten that seizes my imagination. Mythology is like a creative feast- an all you can eat buffet of plots, characters, conspiracies and psychological disorders.
Power of Myth is the caterer of this mythological feast; it lays out all of the dishes into neat, organized components - The First Storytellers, The Hero's Adventure, and The Gift of the Goddess to name a few. From the Shinto texts of Japan to Dante's Divine Comedy, Campbell leaves no stone unturned as he masterfully shares his inexhaustible knowledge of myth.