Member-only story

Featured

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

✨ Bridget Webber
Bridget Webber Writes
6 min readJan 14, 2025

--

Someone stands with their luggage, ready to walk along a path
Photo by Mantas Hesthaven on Unsplash

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.

--

--

Bridget Webber Writes
Bridget Webber Writes

Published in Bridget Webber Writes

“Bridget Webber Writes” features psychology, philosophy, relationship, and mental health articles. It appeals to those embarking on self-improvement and anyone seeking insights and wisdom.

✨ Bridget Webber
✨ Bridget Webber

Written by ✨ Bridget Webber

Spiritual growth, compassion, mindfulness, ancient wisdom, and psychology. You can support me at https://ko-fi.com/bridgetwebber

Responses (11)