Left alone Quote by Joseph Campbell
““The function of ritual and myth is to make possible, and then to facilitate, the jump—by analogy. Forms and conceptions that the mind and its senses can comprehend are presented and arranged in such a way as to suggest a truth or openness beyond. And then, the conditions for meditation having been provided, the individual is left alone. Myth is but the penultimate; the ultimate is openness—that void, or being, beyond the categories —into which the mind must plunge alone and be dissolved. Therefore, God and the gods are only convenient means—themselves of the nature of the world of names and forms, though eloquent of, and ultimately conducive to, the ineffable. They are mere symbols to move and awaken the mind, and to call it past themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell, 1988
Rituals and myths shape our mind to transcend ordinary perception, guiding us toward a deeper, ineffable reality beyond symbols.
In simple terms: Myths help us move beyond ordinary thinking to deeper truth.
Key Takeaway
Use myth to expand consciousness.
Themes
spirituality
mythology
perception
transcendence
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- religious practice
- personal meditation
- creative writing
- philosophical study
Key Concepts
symbolism
analogy
meditation
void
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you use myth to challenge your assumptions?
- What symbols guide your inner search?
A Different Perspective
Myths may be misinterpreted, limiting insight.
![“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)
