The Power of Myth

Bill Moyers has put the audio of his famous series of six interviews with anthropologist ethnographer "mythologist" Joseph Campbell online for free. In the series, which was made 25 years ago, Campbell discusses at length (and with broad appeal for many) his theories on the importance of religious stories and myths in all cultures. Campbell, who was greatly influenced by lay biologist and philosopher Ed Ricketts (who also influenced John Steinbeck, Henry Miller, Bruce Ariss, Adelle Davis Henry Miller, Lincoln Steffens and Francis Whitaker) as well as Carl Jung, modern art, Thomas Mann, Hinduism, and Native American culture, believed that myth was ingrained in the "human psyche" and always centered around the trials of a "hero." There's a lot of pop psychology and loose thinking here, but the series is worth listening to nonetheless for its provocative ideas and lovely delivery.