Beyond Capitalism: How Joseph Campbell’s Philosophies Can Save Humanity from Colonialism, Nationalism, and Imperialism

Joseph Campbell, renowned for his work in comparative mythology and the monomyth or “hero’s journey,” often emphasized the interconnectedness of human experiences and the profound impact of cultural narratives on societies. Drawing on Campbell’s philosophies, we can explore the interconnectivity and unsustainability of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism, and propose a sustainable alternative system.

Interconnectivity and Unsustainability

Colonialism: the practice of acquiring and exploiting colonies, relies on the subjugation and economic exploitation of one nation by another. This system is fundamentally unsustainable as it creates deep inequalities and fosters resentment and resistance among the colonized populations. Campbell would argue that colonialism disrupts the narrative and cultural integrity of societies, imposing foreign myths and systems that fracture the collective identity and continuity of the colonized cultures.

Nationalism: the strong identification with and support for one’s nation, often manifests in an exclusionary and adversarial manner. While it can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, extreme nationalism can lead to xenophobia, ethnocentrism, and conflict. Campbell’s emphasis on the universal aspects of human myths suggests that nationalism, by promoting an ‘us versus them’ mentality, overlooks the shared human experience and the interconnectedness of all cultures.

Imperialism: the policy of extending a country’s power through diplomacy or military force, is closely tied to both colonialism and nationalism. It seeks to dominate other nations for economic or strategic benefits. Campbell might view imperialism as a manifestation of the hero’s journey corrupted, where the quest for power and dominance supersedes the quest for wisdom and understanding. Imperialism, by its nature, breeds conflict and exploitation, leading to instability and unsustainable relations between nations.

Capitalism: an economic system based on private ownership and free markets, encourages competition and innovation but often at the expense of social equity and environmental sustainability. Campbell would critique capitalism for its emphasis on material wealth over spiritual and communal well-being. The relentless pursuit of profit can lead to the exploitation of both people and the planet, creating a system that is ultimately unsustainable due to its disregard for long-term ecological balance and social harmony.

Sustainable Alternative System: Integrative Communalism

Drawing on Campbell’s philosophies, a sustainable alternative system could be Integrative Communalism. This system would focus on the integration of diverse cultural narratives, communal well-being, and sustainable practices. Key features would include:

Cultural Integration: Celebrating and integrating diverse cultural myths and stories to foster a sense of global unity and shared human experience. Promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual respect, reducing the alienation caused by extreme nationalism and colonial legacies.

Community-Centric Governance: Decentralizing power to local communities, ensuring that governance is responsive to the unique needs and values of each community. Encouraging participatory democracy where citizens have a direct role in decision-making processes.

Sustainable Economics: Prioritizing ecological sustainability and social equity in economic activities. Implementing practices like cooperative ownership, fair trade, and circular economies to ensure resources are used responsibly and benefits are distributed fairly.

Global Solidarity: Building international cooperation based on mutual aid and respect rather than domination and exploitation. Addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality through collaborative efforts rather than competitive or imperialistic approaches.

Spiritual and Philosophical Education: Integrating education systems that emphasize not just technical and scientific knowledge, but also spiritual, ethical, and philosophical understanding inspired by the world’s myths and stories. Encouraging individuals to undertake personal “hero’s journeys” that contribute to their growth and the well-being of their communities.

By focusing on these principles, Integrative Communalism seeks to create a system that honours the interconnectedness of human experiences, promotes social and environmental sustainability, and offers a meaningful and inclusive narrative for all peoples. This aligns with Campbell’s belief in the power of myth and story to shape and sustain human societies.

Who is Joseph Campbell?

Joseph Campbell was an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His philosophical focus is largely centred on the concept of the “monomyth” or “hero’s journey,” a universal pattern he identified in the myths and stories of cultures around the world. Campbell’s ideas are encapsulated in his famous work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”

Key Philosophical Focuses of Joseph Campbell:

Monomyth/The Hero’s Journey: Campbell proposed that many mythological narratives from disparate cultures share a common structure, which he called the monomyth or hero’s journey. This journey typically involves stages such as the Call to Adventure, the Crossing of the Threshold, the Road of Trials, the Ultimate Boon, and the Return with the Elixir.

Universal Archetypes: Drawing on the work of Carl Jung, Campbell believed in the existence of universal archetypes—recurring symbols, characters, and themes—that appear in the myths and stories of all cultures. These archetypes tap into the collective unconscious and reflect fundamental aspects of the human experience.

Myth as Metaphor: Campbell argued that myths are metaphorical rather than literal truths. They convey deep psychological and spiritual truths about the human condition, offering insight into the nature of existence, the human psyche, and the individual’s place in the cosmos.

Follow Your Bliss: One of Campbell’s most popular teachings was the idea of “following your bliss,” which means pursuing one’s passions and interests to achieve personal fulfillment and a meaningful life.

Importance in Viewing Global Politics Today:

Cultural Understanding and Empathy: Campbell’s work encourages an appreciation for the commonalities across different cultures. By recognizing the universal patterns in myths and stories, we can foster greater empathy and understanding among diverse peoples, which is crucial in a globalized world.

Narrative in Politics: Political leaders and movements often use narratives that resonate deeply with people. Understanding the archetypal stories and symbols that Campbell described can help us better analyze and interpret these political narratives, discerning their appeal and impact.

Conflict Resolution: Campbell’s insights into the shared human experience can be instrumental in conflict resolution. By highlighting common ground and shared values, his ideas can contribute to peace-building efforts and the resolution of cultural and political conflicts.

Identity and Purpose: In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, Campbell’s emphasis on personal myth and the hero’s journey can help individuals and societies navigate challenges and find a sense of identity and purpose. This can lead to more cohesive and resilient communities.

Critique of Extremism: Understanding the power of myth and narrative can also provide tools to critique and counteract extremist ideologies that exploit archetypal themes for destructive purposes. By reinterpreting these themes in constructive ways, we can undermine harmful narratives.

In summary, Joseph Campbell’s philosophical focus on the hero’s journey, universal archetypes, and the metaphorical nature of myth offers a valuable lens for understanding and addressing the complexities of global politics. His work promotes a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity, the power of narrative, and the shared human experience, all of which are essential for fostering a more peaceful and connected world.

Additional Readings

Books:

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949)

The Masks of God series (1959-1968) – A four-volume series that examines mythology and religion across different cultures:

Volume 1: Primitive Mythology (1959)

Volume 2: Oriental Mythology (1962)

Volume 3: Occidental Mythology (1964)

Volume 4: Creative Mythology (1968)

The Mythic Image (1974)

The Power of Myth (1988, with Bill Moyers)

Essays and Lectures:

The Flight of the Wild Gander: Explorations in the Mythological Dimension (1969)

Myths to Live By (1972)

Transformations of Myth Through Time (1990)