The fifth section of the second chapter in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, written by Joseph Campbell, “Apotheosis,” focuses on the hero’s path, in which enlightenment is achieved. The central claim of the considered part is presented in the sentence, “Having surpassed the delusions of his formerly self-assertive, self-defensive, self-concerned ego, he knows without and within the same repose” (Campbell, 2008, p. 140). Despite the fact that enlightenment, the search for peace and understanding of the soul, is the goal of many heroes, Campbell claims that stories and narratives show repose is already in the person.
Considering the quotation separately, one can assume that its meaning is to show the path to peace and enlightenment. It claims that people’s ego limits them and makes them focus only on themselves. People can achieve enlightenment by getting rid of limited thinking and going beyond their ego. Such restrictions are fears, selfishness, prejudice, and unresolved conflicts. When people overcome them, they realize that the peace and enlightenment they sought in the outside world are within them. Thus, through this quote, Campbell demonstrates that stories and narratives urge people to think more broadly, accept their own selves, and not be limited to selfishness and fears to find enlightenment.
Exploring the quote in the context of the entire section, Campbell gives various stories and arguments in favor of the fact that people achieve enlightenment by abandoning limits. He considers the unity of male and female in the Gods and the unity of time and infinity, in which only the good remains as a form of enlightenment. That is, one can assume that such unities are free from restrictions and include everything necessary to achieve peace. Enlightenment in stories often means liberation from prejudice and unity with God or the universe. Paying attention to other perspectives rather than religion, psychoanalysis also speaks of enlightenment. It argues that people can achieve peace by getting rid of internal conflicts. Part of the section also focuses on the fact that peace and enlightenment are already in person, and Confucianism examples are used to prove the argument. Thus, the entire text of the section is arguments and illustrations supporting the meaning given in the quote under consideration.
The meaning of the quote is relevant and applicable to real-life circumstances. Often, stories, not only within the framework of religion but also in pop cultures, such as cartoons, films, or books, urge the audience to seek peace in themselves. This call does not mean selfish focus on oneself but unity with the world. In particular, peace and harmony can mean enjoying life instead of finding its meaning, achieving a balance between seeing the present and racing for goals for the future. Reading the book The Hero with a Thousand Faces recalls that getting rid of limiting fears and prejudices is necessary for modern people.
Thus, the paper considers the quote from the “Apotheosis” section where Campbell discusses the achievement of enlightenment by the heroes. Enlightenment implies peace, pacification, and, in some perspectives, unity with God or the universe. Various narratives emphasize the need to remove restrictions – fears or prejudices to find repose. Another important aspect of this section is the statement that enlightenment is already in person. The quote under consideration fit all these statements briefly and represented the central argument.
Reference
Campbell, J. (2008). The hero with a thousand faces. New World Library.