The Power of Myth
“The myth is the public dream and the dream is the private myth.”
The Power of Myth is an extensive examination of human culture, religion, and mythology throughout time. It takes the reader on an enthralling journey through ancient mythologies and modern literature, giving them insight into the collective unconscious of humanity.
The book is a collection of Bill Moyers and Campbell's interviews for the corresponding PBS series. In these discussions, Campbell and Moyers delve into the nature of myths and how they affect spiritual development and human growth. Campbell himself put it this way:
“The myth is the public dream and the dream is the private myth.”
With its wealth of knowledge, perception, and examples, the book is both instructive and enjoyable to read. Campbell is both fascinating and enlightening in his knowledge of mythology and its significance to human understanding.
Campbell is best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion, which examined the recurring themes in mythology and religion across cultures. His 1949 work The Hero with a Thousand Faces is regarded as a classic in the field of mythology. He has a gift for making complex topics simple, and his enthusiasm for the subject…