The Power of Myth
by Joseph Campbell · first published 1988
75% recommend25% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Bill Moyers' interviews with Campbell on myth, religion, death and storytelling across cultures; recommended to readers curious about why shared stories and spiritual themes matter, and a good first Campbell read.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The Power of Myth launched an extraordinary resurgence of interest in Joseph Campbell and his work. A preeminent scholar, writer, and teacher, he has had a profound influence on millions of people. To him, mythology was the "song of the universe, the music of the spheres." With Bill Moyers, one of America's most prominent journalists, as his thoughtful and engaging interviewer, The Power of Myth touches on subjects from modern marriage to virgin births, from Jesus to John Lennon, offering a brilliant combination of intelligence and wit.
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Looks like a random sampling. My personal favourites: The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski The Pleasure of Finding Things Out by Richard Feynman Little Dieter Needs to Fly by Werner Herzog
on “Down The Rabbit Hole We Go: Mind-Expanding Documentaries” ↗…cultures and mythologies interests you I highly recommend this 6 part interview with Joseph Campbell, who was the author of “The Hero with 1000 Faces” and an expert in the field. Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers.
on “Persian legends and their Western counterparts (2020)” ↗>listening to these lectures made me understand better the psychological and moral value of these stories You might enjoy the Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell.
on “Ask HN: What’s your favorite talk from 2017?” ↗It's pretty well documented how terrified western culture is of death relative to others. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell is an excellent book which goes into insightful detail on this subject.
on “Palliative sedation, an end-of-life practice that is legal everywhere” ↗Netflix is hosting Joseph Campbell and 'The Power of Myth' with Bill Moyers which wonderfully details how this idea of shared fiction works. [0] It's amazing how deep it permeates our culture including how Disney adopted Campbell's ideas as not only a vehicle…
on “Why We Dominate the Earth” ↗…So, speaking of souls, & their care and keeping, I think you should get a book called _Care Of The Soul_ by Thomas Moore and read chapters 3 and 9 in particular. Also if you can get your hands on _The Power Of Myth_by Joseph Campbell, that one's not bad one either. Hang in there, unknown internet buddy. I believe you when you say it's not about the money. But---if you'll allow me to be a little crude, here---greatness…
on “Is this really realistic: self-taught programmer?” ↗…bibliophile, who is isolated because she can't relate to her bland vanilla society that rejects intellectuals like Belle and her father. I wouldn't write off Disney so quickly. It's worth reading the Power of Myth, the transcript of the interview between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell, because you might appreciate the thinking behind Disney movies. You will find that there are people in control at Disney who share…
on “Disney is safeguarding its future by buying childhood, piece by piece” ↗…involve some form of "play." Whether it's basketball, surfing, snowboarding, or whatever, you need to have a way to experience being in the moment. I also suggest reading Joseph Campbell. Start with The Power of Myth. The original PBS documentary series of the same name is available on Netflix as well.
on “Ask HN: Should I take antidepressants?” ↗> Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers https://archive.org/details/josephcampbellandthepowerofmyth0...
on “Persian legends and their Western counterparts (2020)” ↗I would recommend the book The Power of Myth by J Campbell. It is a good book in the sense it talks about not forgetting the mystery of how we are here.
on “Ask HN: Words of encouragement for someone lost in life?” ↗> why Religion is the center-stage for almost every event that happens to humanity. If that's the question you're after, you'd probably enjoy The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell, and some parts of Sapiens by Harari, both of which approach this question from outside of religion (while I'd argue that reading the books on your list approach it much differently).
on “Ask HN: What is one book you would recommend everyone to read?” ↗“Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth” Mind-boggling series on the role of myths throughout history and today. Not at all what I was expecting, and made my head spin on many occasions.
on “Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?” ↗…any book, by far. The only book that immediately jumped to mind without me needing to check my "read" list. I vaguely recall The Soul Of Sex giving me a healthier foundation for my own sexuality. The Power Of Myth and The Varieties Of Religious Experience for general spiritual goodness. The Selfish Gene has probably had a deep lingering effect on my thoughts about my life as a biological creature. Every Page…
on “Ask HN: Which non-fiction books had the biggest impact on you?” ↗You may want to check out the power of myth by joseph campbell.
on “Ask HN: Which book are you reading these days?” ↗Joseph Campbell The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers
on “Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?” ↗