“By drawing parallels between things and other, entirely different things, I not only further my own studies, but also encourage young minds to develop this comparative methodology in their own work,” said Windham, holding his left hand up to represent one thing, then holding his right hand up to represent a separate thing, then bringing his hands together in simulation of a hypothetical synthesis of the two things. “It’s not just similarities that are important, though—the differences between things are also worth exploring at length.”
“Professor Sees Parallels Between Things, Other Things” The Onion 5-16-07
Joseph Campbell interprets myth, compellingly, as metaphor referring to inner experience; secular scholars like Ralph Ellis (and religious fundamentalists), as referring to outer, historical experience. But such narratives are multivalent enough to cover either terrain, and a given myth will, at different times and places, and for different folks, mean different things, including, most problematically, whatever those in power at the time want it to mean. To me, Campbell is rad for elucidating how myth can be of use, indeed empowering, to the modern individual and for laying out the structural features of mythological narrative. As readers of this blog well know, any schmuck can find parallels or resonances between stuff and other stuff; determining the practical significance of such parallels and drawing coherent conclusions from them remains a whole other thimble of tardigrades.
Dig Campbell’s characterization of evil at 7:38,
What a wonderful power the machine gives you, but is it going to dominate you? This statement of what the need and want is must come from you; not from the machine, and not from the government that’s teaching you; or not even from the clergy. It has to come from one’s own inside, and the minute you let that drop and take what the dictation of the time is, instead of the dictation of your own eternity, you have capitulated to the devil. And you’re in hell.
Follow your bliss and cuídate.