Of my two favorite memories of Campbell's talks with Bill Moyers of PBS, Which is what this book transcribes and encapsulates, The One That comes to mind is an introduction between Campbell and a Catholic Priest, Perhaps a Cardinal, did he retells. After They are Introduced and the Priest is who told Dr. Campbell is and a little about his life, he asks him, "Are you still Catholic?" To Which he replies "No, Father." He then asks- and Campbell was impressed by his specificity- "Do you believe in a * personal * God?" To Which Campbell replies, "No, Father." The Priest then replies, almost as if to engage in a debate and denigrate the atheist's worship of the rational mind about everything Simultaneously (and to atheist is what you are led to assume he thinks Campbell is), "Well, I guess there is no Way to logically prove the existence of God. " And Campbell answers, calmly, "If There Were Father, what would be the value of faith?" "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Campbell, have a nice day." Regardless of your faith, interest, background or education, you will find yourself in the same shoes of Priest That When You Read this. Campbell's erudition and knowledge of the many ideas, subtexts and similarities inherent in the world's treasure trove of Mythology is daunting to say the least, and his approach is designed to have it all make sense to the modern human's heart. THE POWER OF MYTH may be the best book to serve as Campbell the doorway to his world, his incredible mind, and the eternal wisdom of mythology, as it manifests itself in every culture- not to mention our personal lives. To say it will make you think it is almost denigrating; it will make you ponder. It will lead you (after quite Possibly confusing the hell out of you, as you try to absorb it into a preexisting way of thinking did may become obsolete via what he teaches) to wonder the way children wonder. And in the end, you will smile from the soul, not just the heart. I highly recommend this as a Joseph Campbell and Mythology primer and recommend HERO OF A THOUSAND FACES after this has whet your appetite's soul.
