Celebrated scholar Joseph Campbell shares his intimate and inspiring reflections on the art of living in this beautifully packaged book, part of... read full description
reviews
Jul 15, 2009
Jeremy
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Campbell is the first voice I've heard that reconciles what I've been taught about God (religion) and what I feel about God (spirituality). Campbell and his views are a revelation to me that made me feel both justified for my doubts, and confident in where I'm going with my relationship with God. And on top of that, a lot of the typcial guilt associated with not being a by-the-book Catholic disspated.
This collection of Joe Campbell writings, quotes and lectures is a bit chaotic and disorga More...
This collection of Joe Campbell writings, quotes and lectures is a bit chaotic and disorga More...
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Dec 09, 2007
Tammy
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This book changed my life. Joseph Campbell has a gift for de-mystifying the hidden meanings in mythological stories. I would kill for another book like this.
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Jan 11, 2008
Donna
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QUOTE:
“As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It is not as wide as you think.” [p. 298]
“As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It is not as wide as you think.” [p. 298]
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Aug 02, 2008
Joe
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As a fan of Joseph Campbell's writings I was excited to see a book titled "A Joseph Campbell Companion", especially prefixed by the words "Reflections on the Art of Living". It sounded like something right up my alley. How could you possibly go wrong with a title like that?
The short answer is that this book is not organized in a helpful way. I was expecting something akin to Anne Charter's "Portable Beat Reader" where each section is well organized and More...
The short answer is that this book is not organized in a helpful way. I was expecting something akin to Anne Charter's "Portable Beat Reader" where each section is well organized and More...
Dec 11, 2010
David
rated it:
Another one that I've read before. A very cool little book, and one that really seems to show the real soul of Joe, especially his "Irish!"
Full of great quotes, from Joe and a host of others, great speeches and stories. The book has a stated purpose of making you go to your bookshelf and pull out a Joseph Campbell book! --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.
Full of great quotes, from Joe and a host of others, great speeches and stories. The book has a stated purpose of making you go to your bookshelf and pull out a Joseph Campbell book! --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.
Feb 03, 2008
Dan
rated it: 
The selections in this book are short. They were drawn together by editor Diane Osborn with a great deal of sensitivity. To borrow from Forrest Gump, it's like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get, and they are all sweet.
I discovered this book at a time when I felt very stuck. I underlined this sentence: "What is the obstruction in your life, and how do you transform it into the radiance?" This book contains a good deal of material on dealing with ob More...
I discovered this book at a time when I felt very stuck. I underlined this sentence: "What is the obstruction in your life, and how do you transform it into the radiance?" This book contains a good deal of material on dealing with ob More...
Mar 05, 2010
Danna
rated it: 
In 1984, Joseph Campbell and ten students gathered for thirty days in Big Sur, California at the Esalen Institute to immerse themselves in an intensive exploration of the "mythological dimension". Poet Diane Osbon was one of those students, and as a result of that experience she was inspired to write this book. It's a collection of quotations, excerpts, and her own musings, rather loosely strung together in a rather stream-of-conscious manner; more of a diary of thoughts than a narra
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Dec 31, 2011
Aimee
rated it:
I guess I'll be reading and re-reading this book the rest of my life. It's something of a bible for me. I pull it off the shelf here and there, re-read the same passages I've read a hundred times, each time finding new meaning.
May 30, 2011
Jennifer
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I love this book! This is an excellent compilation of quotes and lectures by Joseph Campbell. I reread the opening sections of inspiring quotes regularly.
May 14, 2010
Heather
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One of my most favorite to-go books when I'm in need of inspiration. I gifted my copy to a friend sometime ago and need to restock on my own bookshelf.
Nov 07, 2009
Derek
rated it:
A bit of advice
given to a young Native American
at the time of his initiation:
"As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It is not as wide as you think."
This book blew my mind when I read it, my last year in high school. Thought about these passages very day for the next many months..read it slowly I didn't want to finish
compiled from speeches of Campbell, many jewels shining. Mu More...
given to a young Native American
at the time of his initiation:
"As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It is not as wide as you think."
This book blew my mind when I read it, my last year in high school. Thought about these passages very day for the next many months..read it slowly I didn't want to finish
compiled from speeches of Campbell, many jewels shining. Mu More...
Mar 18, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
i read parts of this book all. the time. it was given to me for my b-day maybe 10 years ago and it's been one of the most interesting thought provoking books ever. i love Joseph Campbell's book and this author takes his lectures on comparative mythology and organizes them to reflect our everyday lives. i especially LOVE the chapter about marriage it contains one of my favorite quotes of all time- "marriage is not a love affair. it's an ordeal." sounds bad, right? WRONG! this one chapte
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Aug 10, 2008
Steve
rated it:
I've read a number of books by Joseph Campbell, including some interview books (The Power of Myth, An Open Life). This is a good distillation of much of his thought (religion/myth as metaphor for the psychological/existential challenges of life). I like to read a few pages and then put it aside. There's certainly enough interesting ideas to ponder, such that I feel no need to try to finish a particular chapter or chunk in one sitting. The book mixes quotes from his writings (or others' writi
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May 23, 2010
Ed
rated it:
A book that I constantly go back to and discover new insights. Something that has changed my outlook on life and how to enjoy it/experience it.
Feb 18, 2009
Ryan
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The mythology guru imparts a world of knowledge on how to reach your highest potential. This book is jam-packed with big ideas.
Aug 01, 2011
Emily
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A good friend introduced me to this one- I love it and use it as sort of a reference. Always makes me feel good.
Nov 18, 2011
James
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A selection from Joseph Campbell's work that is good for dipping into for inspiration. The selections cover the range of his thought from the "Heroic Journey" to the mystery of art. We read his thoughts on perennial human concerns including the challenges of living in the world, the process of spiritual awakening, the struggle to come into awareness, and the art of living in the sacred. While this is an excellent summation and reminder for those who have read his works, there are exce
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Jul 24, 2009
Mike
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Much of this book was way over my head; however I did catch many pearls of wisdom. It took me a while to get through as I often stopped reading to highlight passages for future reference.
Mar 05, 2009
Valerie
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Along the lines with Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell, but read like a poem. Interesting, peaceful, and deep.
Feb 07, 2010
Tristy
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I love this collection. I refer to it often. It's so rich with wonderful quotes and ideas.
Aug 30, 2011
Rossane
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Campbell writes beautifuly. always. Its a pleasure to have his words in my life.
Jul 30, 2011
Richard
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A pastiche of Campbell's wisdom revealing his passion and sense of humor.
Dec 06, 2010
Clifford
rated it:
A wonderful and unique collection and condensation of his work and insights.
