For those in whom a local mythology still works, there is an experience both of accord with the social order, and of harmony with the universe. For those, however, in whom the authorized signs no longer work-or, if working, produce deviant effects-there follows inevitably a sense both of dissociation from the local social nexus and of quest, within and without, for life, which the brain will take to be for 'meaning'.

It may be a species of impudence to think that the way you understand God is the way God is. (60).

There is perhaps nothing worse than reaching the top of the ladder and discovering that you’re on the wrong wall.

Out of perfection nothing can be made. Every process involves breaking something up.

Gods suppressed become devils, and often it is these devils whom we first encounter when we turn inward.

Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone; for the heroes of all time have gone before us; the labyrinth is thoroughly known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path. And where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence; and where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.

Mythology is often defined as 'other peoples' religions', religion can be thought of as misinterpreted mythology.