Humanity Quote by Joseph Campbell
““One finds the same basic mythological themes in all the religions of the world, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated, from the North American plains to European forests to Polynesian atolls. The imagery of myth is a language, a lingua franca that expresses something basic about our deepest humanity. It is variously inflected in its various provinces.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell & Bill Moyers, 1988
Myths across cultures share fundamental themes that express core human experiences, acting as a universal language of meaning.
In simple terms: All myths use similar symbols to show basic human truths.
Study diverse myths to uncover shared human values.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- anthropology classes
- interfaith dialogues
- creative writing
- counseling
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern societies reinterpret ancient myths?
- What universal needs do these myths fulfill?
Myths can be interpreted differently, leading to conflicting conclusions.