Joseph John Campbell was a prolific professor of Literature at Sarah Lawrence College and a brilliant author who worked in comparative mythology and religion.
Campbell saw similarities between myths and beliefs from various kinds of literature and cultures and thought that it couldn’t be just a coincidence. His work embraces many aspects of the human experience, and his most well-known book is titled “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” which was published in 1949.
Since the release of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell’s theory has been implemented by a wide variety of modern artists and writers including the famous Filmmaker George Lucas who said that Campbell’s work inspired the Star Wars films. In 2011, the book was listed on Time’s 100 best and most influential books written in English.
Here are some of the most notable Joseph Campbell quotes and sayings that shows his thoughts and views regarding life and a whole lot more.
Fun fact: Campbell’s “follow your bliss” mantra remains a favorite catchphrase for seekers of inspiration everywhere!
Table of Contents
Famous Joseph Campbell Quotes
These are Campbell’s best-loved, most-shared quotes—perfect to kickstart your own journey of inspiration:
Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
Why it matters: This is Campbell’s central invitation: to bravely pursue what excites and fulfills you, trusting life will meet you halfway.
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
—Reflections on the Art of Living
Why it matters: Our greatest growth often lies on the other side of our biggest fears.
We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
Why it matters: Embracing change—even when it’s uncomfortable—can lead to greater purpose and joy.
Famous Joseph Quotes on the Hero’s Journey
Campbell’s most enduring legacy is his map for personal transformation—the hero’s journey. Here’s what he taught:
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
Why it matters: The journey isn’t about becoming someone else, but uncovering your truest self.
Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.
—The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Why it matters: Struggles are invitations to discover your inner strength.
Famous Joseph Quotes on Following Your Bliss
Perhaps Campbell’s most famous advice—simple, but not always easy:
If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
Why it matters: Campbell reminds us that pursuing what lights us up leads to fulfillment—and helps us serve the world in our unique way.
Famous Joseph Quotes on Life & Meaning
Campbell’s take on the search for purpose goes deeper than most:
People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.
—The Power of Myth (1988)
Why it matters: Campbell challenges us to focus less on abstract meaning and more on living fully, authentically, and awake.
Famous Joseph Quotes on Courage & Facing Fear
What does it mean to be brave? Campbell’s answer:
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
—Reflections on the Art of Living
Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
Why it matters: Facing our fears is the path to our deepest fulfillment and transformation.
Famous Joseph Quotes on Transformation & Growth
Campbell’s work is about change—embracing it, learning from it, and letting it transform us.
The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
You become mature when you become the authority of your own life.
—A Joseph Campbell Companion
If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take.
—The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work
Why it matters: Growth requires leaving behind what no longer serves us, and trusting our unique path.
Campbell’s Wisdom for Modern Seekers
Joseph Campbell’s quotes continue to light the way for anyone willing to embark on their own adventure of self-discovery and transformation. His timeless wisdom encourages us to be brave, to follow our passions, and to see life as a meaningful journey—one step, one story at a time.
