The Power of Myth: Programs 1-6

I found this life-changing and mind-expanding when I first saw the series on PBS in 1991. Listening to it again makes me want to buy the DVDs. Campbell is nothing less than amazing.

I first heard this as I was just out of college and trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life and where I stood from a spiritual/religious perspective. I can't overstate the impact this series had on my career path and personal development.

Now, some 17 years later, I gave it another listen and I hear a whole new set of lessons relevant to my life as an established professional and continuing seeker of wisdom and personal growth.

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks in my time (200?) and have loved a heap but there are only a couple others I would even consider giving five stars. I reserve that for "classics" and I would give that status to "The Power of Myth."

I like this better than the Hero with a Thousand Faces. It's more accessible I think. The Interview format helps a lot. It's one of those books that I was really sad to get to the end.

Joseph Campbell's quiet wisdom and Bill Moyers astute questions are life changing for the interested listener. What I love most about Campbell is that he doesn't *stop* teaching, he's a conduit, the opposite of the self titled "inspirational" speaker. He shares his knowledge without advising what one should draw from it. Almost magically, far more than facts alone, his words stay alive. The have the potential to completely transform the listeners life experience, yet each one will create something different from what he says.

Sometimes you like a book for its plot, sometimes for its characters, sometimes the locality will seduce you. But to read Joseph Campbell is a treat for the soul, and you read (or listen) to his stories for its words; like chocolate for the mind, food for the soul. This particular book talks about myths and how man has one basic idea or awe and in order to make sense of it, turns it into a god or goddess. We may think our religiousness is unique to our race or ethnicity, but Campbell explains to us that it's the same basic universal idea just blended around to fit our individual circumstance. I watched the original PBS series, and it's a joy to find this keepsake.

This is excellent for anyone who may want a history lesson on their religion and to see how they all tie in together!

Moyers and Campbell do a wonderful job of bringing an esoteric subject to the mainstream and making it relevant. It is one of the best programs I've listened to all year (and there are many). I will be searching for more like this.

The transcript of the interviews, published years ago, is inaccessable because of its form. This audio release is a much better venue for the material. Campbell is amazing, insightful and inspiring. No small feat without dogma or faith. Listen in the context of it's time, the 1970's, and don't get distracted by the Star Wars references. He show why the supernatural is unnecessary and the natural is super. Once you see the divinity of everything, you don't need the divine. Great read.

I truly feel God kissing me on my cheek when I listen to Joseph Campbell. His deep spirituality without religiosity is refreshing.

One of the very best

Joseph Campbell

Both were wonderful. Campbell the most interesting to my ear