Early Life and Education
Joseph John Campbell was born on March 26, 1904, in White Plains, New York. He was the first child of Charles William Campbell and Josephine Lynch Campbell, a couple of Irish Catholic heritage. His early fascination with Native American culture and mythology was sparked during family vacations to the American West, where he encountered Native American artifacts. This interest in myths and stories would become a defining theme throughout his life.
Campbell attended Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, and later Dartmouth College. However, he soon transferred to Columbia University, where he earned a BA in English literature in 1925 and an MA in Medieval literature in 1927. During his studies, Campbell traveled to Europe, where he encountered the works of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, further shaping his interest in psychology and myth.
Career and Contributions
After completing his education, Campbell spent five years (1929-1934) living in Woodstock, New York, where he devoted himself to studying, reading extensively, and developing his ideas about mythology. This period of intense study culminated in his deep understanding of comparative mythology.
In 1934, Campbell began teaching at Sarah Lawrence College, where he remained until his retirement in 1972. His teaching career allowed him to refine his ideas and communicate them to a broader audience. It was also during this time that he met and married Jean Erdman, a dancer and choreographer, in 1938.
Campbell’s breakthrough came with the publication of “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” in 1949. In this seminal work, he introduced the concept of the “monomyth” or “hero’s journey,” a narrative template that he argued is common to myths from different cultures worldwide. The hero’s journey involves stages such as the call to adventure, the crossing of the threshold, the ordeal, and the return with a boon. This work profoundly influenced writers, filmmakers, and scholars, including George Lucas, who credited Campbell’s work as a major inspiration for “Star Wars.”
Campbell continued to explore and expand on his ideas in subsequent works, including the four-volume series “The Masks of God” (1959-1968), which examined the mythological structures of various cultures. He also authored “The Power of Myth,” a collection of conversations with journalist Bill Moyers that was published posthumously in 1988 and became a popular PBS television series.
Philosophy and Influence
Joseph Campbell’s work emphasized the importance of myths in understanding the human experience. He believed that myths serve as a guide to the inner workings of the human psyche, providing insights into our desires, fears, and aspirations. His famous phrase, “Follow your bliss,” encapsulates his belief that individuals should pursue what truly inspires and fulfills them.
Campbell’s interdisciplinary approach, combining literature, anthropology, psychology, and religious studies, set a new standard for the study of mythology. His ideas resonated beyond academia, influencing various fields such as literature, film, and psychology. Notable figures influenced by Campbell include George Lucas, Jim Morrison, and many contemporary authors and storytellers.
Views on Spirituality
Joseph Campbell’s views on spirituality were deeply influenced by his extensive study of world myths and religions. He saw spirituality not as adherence to a particular religious doctrine, but as a profound personal journey. According to Campbell, myths are symbolic representations of the universal human experience and are tools to help individuals connect with the transcendent.
Campbell believed that true spirituality involves an inner journey, which he described as the “hero’s journey” in his works. This journey is a metaphor for the individual’s quest for meaning, self-discovery, and transformation. He argued that myths provide a roadmap for this inner journey, offering wisdom and guidance through their symbols and narratives.
For Campbell, spirituality was about finding one’s own path and experiencing a personal connection with the divine or the universe. He encouraged people to seek out and follow their bliss—those activities and pursuits that bring them joy and fulfillment—as a way to align with their true purpose and the greater cosmic order.
Campbell was critical of dogmatic religion, which he felt could hinder personal spiritual growth by imposing rigid beliefs and practices. Instead, he advocated for a more individualistic and experiential approach to spirituality, where personal experience and inner revelation are paramount.
Legacy
Joseph Campbell passed away on October 30, 1987, in Honolulu, Hawaii, but his legacy endures. His work continues to be a cornerstone in the study of mythology and its relevance to modern life. The Joseph Campbell Foundation, established in 1990 by his widow, Jean Erdman, and his longtime editor, Robert Walter, preserves and promotes his work, ensuring that future generations can access and be inspired by his insights into the power of myth and spirituality.
Joseph Campbell Most Popular Books
“The Hero with a Thousand Faces” (1949) – This seminal work introduces the concept of the “monomyth” or “hero’s journey,” a universal pattern found in myths from around the world.
“The Masks of God” Series (1959-1968) – This four-volume series explores the mythologies of different cultures. The volumes include “Primitive Mythology” (1959), “Oriental Mythology” (1962), “Occidental Mythology” (1964), and “Creative Mythology” (1968).
“The Power of Myth” (1988) – Based on a series of interviews with journalist Bill Moyers, this book delves into the themes and meanings of mythology and their relevance to modern life.
“Myths to Live By” (1972) – A collection of essays that explore how myths influence and shape our lives and society.
“The Inner Reaches of Outer Space: Metaphor as Myth and as Religion” (1986) – This book examines the relationship between mythology, science, and religion.
“Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation” (2004) – This posthumous publication discusses how mythology can guide individuals on their personal journey to find meaning and fulfillment.
“The Flight of the Wild Gander: Explorations in the Mythological Dimension” (1969) – A collection of essays on mythological themes and their significance.
“Historical Atlas of World Mythology” (1983-1989) – This multi-volume work, though incomplete, maps out the mythological traditions of different cultures across history.
Joseph Campbel Videos
Follow Your Bliss
Joseph Campbell – Jung, the Self, and Myth
