EP 37: Man & His Gods

11 snips

Dec 3, 2024

Join renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell as he delves into the intricate relationship between humans and their gods. He discusses how deities reflect human psychology and explore myths' profound impact on identity and existence. Campbell contrasts Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, examining the complexities of cultural perceptions of divinity. The conversation also highlights how ancient beliefs interpreted the universe and the evolution of individual thought in Western culture, providing insights on morality and the human experience.

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INSIGHT

The Ineffable Divine

The experience of God is ancient and ineffable, transcending words and requiring similar experiences for understanding.
Popular religions often misinterpret poetic imagery about this experience by taking it literally.

INSIGHT

Mythology vs. Religion

We should view our own religions as mythologies to better understand their true nature.
The key difference lies in whether we seek a relationship with God or identify with the divine.

ANECDOTE

An Indian Man's Perspective

A devout young Indian man, unfamiliar with Western religion, read the Bible.
He couldn't find any religion in it because its descriptions of God seemed limited and human-like.

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The Masks of God, Volume 1: Primitive Mythology

Joseph Campbell

In this first volume of 'The Masks of God', Joseph Campbell explores the wellsprings of myth from the earliest expressions of religious awe in pre-modern humans to the rites and art of contemporary primal tribes. He examines the basic concepts that underlie all human myth, highlighting the unity of themes running through all civilizations and religions. Campbell argues that mythology is a fundamental aspect of human culture, influencing religion, philosophy, art, and science, and that it continues to shape human understanding and motivation[1][2][4].

Myths to Live By

Joseph Campbell

Myths to Live By is a collection of essays based on lectures delivered by Joseph Campbell between 1958 and 1971. The book analyzes the effect of myth-making and belief on humanity's spiritual life, differentiating between Western and Eastern myths while tracing their fundamental universal properties. Campbell discusses the archetype of the 'hero' and how myths adapt to local requirements. He also explores the usefulness of past mythologies in contemporary life, arguing that even obsolete religions reveal fundamental features of human nature. The work speculates on the future of human relations and the role of myths in uniting humanity despite modern anxieties and the influence of science[1][3][4].

Occidental Mythology

Volume 3 (Masks of God)

Joseph Campbell

In 'Occidental Mythology', Joseph Campbell delves into the mythological roots of Western civilizations, exploring how the mythologies of the goddess mother were transformed and suppressed by patriarchal warrior tribes. The book covers the emergence of great Occidental religious traditions, including the influence of Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman mythologies. Campbell discusses the evolution of these mythological motifs and their impact on Western consciousness, highlighting the transition from an organic, vegetal view of life to a more heroic and male-dominated perspective.

Reflections on War and Death

Sigmund Freud

Freud's "Reflections on War and Death" delves into the psychological impact of war and the human confrontation with mortality. Written after World War I, the work explores the anxieties and traumas experienced by individuals and societies. Freud examines the unconscious mechanisms that individuals employ to cope with the fear of death, including the belief in immortality. He analyzes the role of aggression and self-destruction in human behavior, linking them to the primal instincts of the unconscious. The book offers a profound exploration of the human psyche in the face of conflict and mortality.