8 Quotes by Joseph Campbell That Will Give Your Life Direction

It’s more than just “Follow your bliss”

Joseph Campbell was a mythologist and professor of literature. He is widely known for his bestselling book The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

Campbell popularized the idea of a universal story structure of personal adventure and transformation that runs through all of the world’s myths and legends. He called the structure the Hero’s Journey and believed its so powerful because its the story etched in the human spirit.

Though he died in 1987, Campbell’s impact on society is still evident. George Lucas said he was a major influence in the creation of Star Wars. Both fiction and non-fiction writers use the Hero’s Journey in their writing because it’s a powerful motif to everyone can relate to on some level.

But Campbell was more than a literary figure. In an interview with Bill Moyers shortly before Campbell’s death, the legendary reporter called him “one of the most spiritual men I ever met.” Though he is at times controversial in his scholarship, his wisdom remains a source of inspiration for people everywhere.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

It’s easy to get caught up in your idea of what life should be. Sometimes, only after seeing our plans fail do we realize our true calling was waiting in front of us all along.

It’s great to plan and set goals, but more important to hold them loosely to avoid getting tunnel vision and missing the life that’s right in front of you.

“The real dragon is in you…[it’s] your ego, holding you in.”

You may think success comes from overcoming obstacles and difficulties until you reach your goal. But the biggest dragon you have to slay is in you. Your ego is a constant companion that can propel you forward or imprison you.

If you let it tell you you’re special and you deserve something just because, you’ll be a hostage to the dragon. If you can slay that dragon, you can conquer just about anything.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

You have to do the thing that scares you, and then keep doing it over and over again. The only way forward is to face the unknown with courage.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The only way out is through.” Many times you stay stuck because you’re too afraid to take the step forward. Make no mistake, when you enter the cave you step into your destiny.

“In my own life, I’ve had many opportunities to commit myself to a system and to go with it, and to obey its requirements. My life has been that of a maverick; I would not submit.”

You must choose the life you will live. If you don’t, someone else will choose it for you. Consciously choose your values, goals, and direction in life.

Society will tell you to choose the standard safe path, but safety is an illusion. Choosing your own path is not an easy way, but it’s the only way to live fulfilled.

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure”

Again, the choice is yours. Everyone has a calling or adventure to live in. You may not travel to a faraway land, but adventure awaits every time you say yes to a new challenge.

Every change in life brings with it the need to grow and adapt. To say “a hearty yes to your adventure” is to say yes to life.

“As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It is not as wide as you think.”

There is always a gap between where you are and where you want to be. You can see the other side from where you stand now, but you don’t know how to get there. Jump.

All the planning, researching, and education in the world aren’t equal to an ounce of right action.

“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.”

You can’t follow someone else’s steps to success. It doesn’t matter if you break it down into seven steps backed by science, you are not someone else and you can’t have their journey.

You can achieve the same kind of results as someone you admire, but you can’t do it the same way. Your path is unique to you. Remember that the next time you try to fit your life into someone else’s plan.

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”

When you were young, you probably wanted nothing more than to fit in a be accepted. As you grow older, you will realize that fitting in isn’t as great as being loved for who you are.

Take inspiration from others who have gone ahead of you, but don’t try to be a copy of anyone else.

Final Thoughts

Joseph Campbell remains an inspiration to writers, artists, and musicians of all kinds. But anyone can benefit from his wisdom, whether you’re an artist, student, employee, entrepreneur, or parent.

If you apply Campbell’s teachings to your life, you will find the direction you seek.

• Hold your plans loosely. Unexpected opportunities will take you to exciting new places.
• Be mindful of your ego. Slay the dragon every day.
• Go where your fears take you. They will lead you to where you need to go.
• Be a maverick. Don’t submit to a system designed to enforce mediocrity.
• Say yes to life. The adventure is yours for the taking.
• Jump. The gap between where you are and where you want to be isn’t as wide as you think.
• Make your own path. You can’t follow someone else’s’ path to success.
• Don’t be a copy. Your greatest strength is your authenticity.