Embracing Life: Lessons from Joseph Campbell's Wisdom
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Joseph Campbell's Philosophy
Joseph Campbell captivated audiences worldwide with his insightful explorations of the myths that define our human experience. His fame surged following his engaging interviews with Bill Moyers on PBS, recorded just before his passing in 1987.
So, what accounts for Campbell's widespread appeal? While his deep dives into mythology certainly play a role, I believe it's largely attributed to his perspectives on living a fulfilling life. Here are three of his notable quotes that encapsulate this idea.
“Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”
Campbell's concept of 'following your bliss' is perhaps his most celebrated idea. He derived this notion from the Upanishads, ancient texts that greatly influence Hindu philosophy.
One reason this notion resonates with so many is its simplicity: People understand that identifying and pursuing what truly inspires us is the key to a fulfilling life.
Two Challenges to Discovering Bliss
However, many individuals face two common hurdles in this pursuit. The first is the struggle to identify their bliss. Younger generations often express uncertainty about what they are passionate about.
Campbell's own journey offers a solution. He didn’t initially realize his calling to study mythology during his teenage years. Instead, he dedicated five years of his life, reading for nine hours each day in a modest rented space. His initial focus was on literature, the subject he first taught at Sarah Lawrence College. Only after years of exploration did he find his path in comparative mythology.
The second hurdle is fear. Some individuals know what they love but hesitate to pursue it. For instance, if you come from a family of doctors who expect you to follow in their footsteps, yet your heart lies in the arts—such as acting, dancing, or writing—you might feel torn. You might choose medical school but end up deeply unhappy.
This brings us to another of Campbell's insights:
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
Often, the life we envision is a product of external expectations—those from parents, peers, or society. Phrases like “Go to medical school!” or “Get a stable job!” can overshadow our true desires.
The Hero’s Journey
This theme connects back to Campbell's pivotal work on the hero's journey, where the protagonist often receives a 'call to adventure.' This journey is typically fraught with fear, and the hero must confront that fear to embark on their path.
Whether it’s leaving medical school to pursue a career in Hollywood or surviving alone in the wilderness, the fear remains constant. Campbell encourages modern individuals to embrace their own calls to adventure.
Another profound idea from Campbell is this:
“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive…”
This resonates deeply with me. It speaks to the vitality we feel when we are fully present. Following our bliss increases our chances of experiencing that vibrant sense of being alive.
Sadly, many individuals miss out on this experience, either by abandoning their inner journey or by being unaware that such a journey exists.
Joseph Campbell: A Model of Living Fully
Who better embodies this exuberance for life than Joseph Campbell himself? His passion for mythology was evident in every word he spoke, radiating enthusiasm that captivated audiences.
This is likely why so many people are drawn to him and others who visibly love what they do. His infectious enthusiasm serves as a powerful legacy, encouraging us all to follow our bliss.
The Key Takeaway
The essence of Joseph Campbell’s message is to follow your instincts and interests. Your true path may not reveal itself in a moment of clarity but will unfold gradually over time, just as it did for Campbell.
When the call to adventure arises, muster the courage to answer it. As Campbell wisely noted, by doing so, “doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”
Discover insights in this video, "5 Life Lessons from Joseph Campbell," which delves into his philosophy on living a fulfilling life.
This video, "Joseph Campbell's Reflections on the Art of Living," explores his thoughts on the essence of life and personal fulfillment.