Chance Quote by Joseph Campbell
“When you go through life ... it all seems accidental at the time it is happening. Then when you get on in your 60s or 70s and look back, your life looks like a well-planned novel with a coherent theme ... Incidents that seemed accidental, pure chance, turn out to be major elements in the structuring of this novel. Schopenhauer says, 'Who wrote this novel? You did.'”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Power of Myth, 1972
Life’s random events later reveal a coherent narrative, showing we author our own story.
In simple terms: Accidental events become purposeful later.
Key Takeaway
Recognize patterns in hindsight.
Themes
meaning
purpose
self‑authorship
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Career retrospectives
- life coaching
- writing memoirs
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What “accidental” events shaped your life?
- Do you see a theme in your past?
A Different Perspective
May impose false coherence on chaos.
![“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)
