Roncooper wrote:James, Myrtle,
Thank you for all the information. I haven't looked around this site very much. There is so much I have to discover, and so many beautiful ideas to enjoy.
I visited the Opus Archive and saw Campbell's library. It is amazing how driven he was. I think his athletic and competitive background helped. In "The Power of Myth" series, I remember him saying his peak experiences came during competition. I wish I had that energy.
Back to absolute values. For me life has it's physical-survival component that is all about DNA and brains, and the earth, and the sun, and the space between the earth and the sun, but there is another aspect. The one where we manifest examples of absolute values. One day we create something beautiful, do something honorable, or love something, and this beauty, honor, and love are added to who we are.
We are not just our DNA and brains. We are also what we have done and what we experience. I may be just another old man, but I know for certain that my life was driven by beauty as much as it was by DNA.
Another cool post Ron. I really like the way you are able to synthesize these large themes and still keep a sense of balance. ( Perhaps your science background helps. )
I visited the Opus Archive and saw Campbell's library. It is amazing how driven he was. I think his athletic and competitive background helped. In "The Power of Myth" series, I remember him saying his peak experiences came during competition. I wish I had that energy.
Indeed Joseph Campbell was both an " Olympic Athlete " and a Literary Scholar. ( Quite a combination huh? ) Amazing how one man could accomplish so much to be sure; ( and we are certainly benefiting from that inheritance ).
This I really liked:
I would only add that historically in most cultures with age came wisdom and the elderly were considered the revered " Gatekeepers " for the understanding of life. Their role was highly respected and not considered as a burden. Joe had much to say about this part of the life-stage and it's passage. ( He considered it a time of blooming and " realization "; not a time of incapacity and incompetence. Your post is a nice example of this. )We are not just our DNA and brains. We are also what we have done and what we experience. I may be just another old man, but I know for certain that my life was driven by beauty as much as it was by DNA.
Cheers
A short addendum:
If I may I would like to offer a short note of thanks concerning ( all ) of the various efforts of the Foundation and this website; along with the many other projects that these associates undertake with little funding but with tremendous heart and soul dedication. It is because of their tireless efforts that Joseph Campbell's work not only continues to survive but more forward in the release of new unpublished material. And also the innovative partnering with other organizations to further expand various interactive collaborations so that more people are exposed to this work. These constantly evolving outreach efforts will insure this legacy for future generations and we owe a debt of gratitude to these folks for the gifts that they bring in their behind the scenes contributions without which none of these resources would be possible. ( Without sounding pretentious I just feel offering a little expression of appreciation is appropriate once in awhile for all that they do and how lucky we are to have them. )