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Psychology and Self-Development
Joseph Campbell on the Path to Bliss
Once you’ve separated your vision from well-wishers’ ideas, it’s time to narrow your options
Many poets, philosophers, and writers have talked about the importance of finding a purpose in life. Each suggests people have unique skills determining the way to joy. Joseph Campbell uses the idea of a path to represent the way forward.
On following your own path
Campbell, a mythologist and author, said, “If you follow someone else’s way, you are not going to realize your potential.” He used the metaphor of entering a dark forest to suggest stepping into the unknown and embarking on a hero’s journey.
According to Campbell, stories containing myths and metaphors appeal because they feed a yearning to seek our potential. They remind us to step into our dark forest and face personal challenges before we recognize our gifts and share them with the world.
However, if you follow an established path, he suggests, shadowing someone else’s journey you forgo your own. You could be successful, but you’ll not understand what you can do. You’ll miss out on the discovery of your lifetime.