4 out of 5 stars ****
I have a quote by Joseph Campbell that hangs on a plaque by my front door, "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." This statement implies that there is another plan for our existence other than what we want or choose for ourselves.
As a Christian, I feel this refers to God's plan; but Campbell contemplates deeper into mankind's psyche. He identifies a need to explain the compulsion we have to journey into unexplained worlds where discovery of dreams and myth have universals, aspects in common, throughout the world in every culture. Much of this classic work is filled with legends and lore of cultures from around the world.
The stories are fascinating, the analysis revealing. The Hero With a Thousand Faces and other books by Campbell show how this topic is his life's pleasure. The final chapters talk about the author and the extent of his study along with the efforts to preserve his published and non-published material. I respect the devotion of this scholar as what he says in this writing is worthy of further thought by those who read, listen, and dream.
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