Labyrinth Quote by Joseph Campbell
““The multitude of men and women choose the less adventurous way of the comparatively unconscious civic and tribal routines. But these seekers, too, are saved—by virtue of the inherited symbolic aids of society, the rites of passage, the grace-yielding sacraments, given to mankind of old by the redeemers and handed down through millenniums. It is only those who know neither an inner call nor an outer doctrine whose plight truly is desperate; that is to say, most of us today, in this labyrinth without and within the heart. Alas, where is the guide, that fond virgin, Ariadne, to supply the simple clue that will give us courage to face the Minotaur, and the means then to find our way to freedom when the monster has been met and slain?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hero with a Thousand Faces, 1949
People often follow familiar, unconscious routines, relying on societal rites for guidance, yet those lacking inner or outer direction feel desperate in life's labyrinth.
In simple terms: Many follow routines, but without inner or outer guidance they feel lost.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal myths and rites to navigate challenges.
Themes
myth
rituals
inner
journey
courage
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career crossroads
- personal crisis
- spiritual quest
- creative block
- social conformity
Key Concepts
hero's journey
collective unconscious
ritual
symbolic aid
labyrinth
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal rite can you create to guide yourself?
- How can you recognize your inner call?
A Different Perspective
Rituals may not address individual psychological needs.
![“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)
