The essence of oneself and the essence of the world: these two are one. [ The aim is not to see, but to realize that one is, that essence; then one is free to wander as that essence in the world.] Hence separateness, withdrawal, is no longer necessary. Wherever the hero may wander, whatever he may do, he is ever in the presence of his own essence-for he has the perfected eye to see.
Joseph CampbellIt is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
Joseph CampbellYou know, when real trouble comes your humanity is awakened. The fundamental human experience is that of compassion.
Joseph CampbellThis, I believe, is the great Western truth: that each of us is a completely unique creature and that, if we are ever to give any gift to the world, it will have to come out of our own experience and fulfillment of our own potentialities, not someone else's.
Joseph CampbellThe Greeks, it will be recalled, regarded Eros, the god of love, as the eldest of the gods; but also as the youngest, born fresh and dewy-eyed in every living heart.
Joseph Campbell