Doe Quote by Joseph Campbell
“How does the ordinary person come to the transcendent? For a start, I would say, study poetry. Learn how to read a poem. You need not have the experience to get the message, or at least some indication of the message. It may come gradually. (92)”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell & Bill Moyers, 1988
Poetry opens a path to higher awareness, allowing ordinary people to glimpse the transcendent through language and imagination.
In simple terms: Poetry helps ordinary people reach higher awareness.
Key Takeaway
Read poetry to expand perception.
Themes
spirituality
art
growth
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- education
- creative writing
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
mythology
transcendence
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does poetry change your view of reality?
- What poem first made you feel something beyond everyday life?
A Different Perspective
Poetry alone may not guarantee transcendence without personal effort.
![“Good, he did not have enough imagination to become a mathematician. [Upon hearing that one of his students had dropped out to study poetry]” quote by David Hilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a8a/david-hilbert-12585_humor_good-he-did-not-have-enough-imagination_1244031.jpg)
![“The fall [of your soul] from perfection into duality...was naturally followed by the discovery of the duality of good and evil...This is the Biblical version of a myth known to many lands.” quote by Joseph Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ff/joseph-campbell-300_biblical_the-fall-of-your-soul-from-perfection-in_22526.jpg)
