Atheism Quote by Joseph Campbell
“The two greatest works of war mythology in the west ... are the Iliad and the Old Testament... When we turn from the Iliad and Athens to Jerusalem and the Old Testament we find a single-minded single deity with his sympathies forever on one side. And the enemy, accordingly, no matter who it may be, is handled... pretty much as though he were subhuman: not a "Thou" but an "It."”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, 1949
War myths in the West are dominated by the Iliad and the Old Testament, portraying a single deity who favors one side and dehumanizes the enemy.
In simple terms: Western war stories show a god who picks sides and treats opponents as less than human.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how narratives shape our view of enemies.
Themes
mythology
war
religion
culture
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military propaganda
- political rhetoric
- religious teaching
- media analysis
Key Concepts
dualism
dehumanization
heroic narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these myths influence modern perceptions of war?
- Can we find more balanced narratives?
A Different Perspective
Such dichotomies oversimplify complex conflicts and ignore moral nuance.
![“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)
