On Bliss

by Joseph Campbell

120 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Joseph Campbell was an American author and teacher best known for his work in the field of comparative mythology. He was born in New York City in 1904, and from early childhood he became interested in mythology. He loved to read books about American Indian cultures, and frequently visited the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where he was fascinated by the museum's collection of totem poles.

Campbell was educated at Columbia University, where he specialized in medieval literature, and continued his studies at universities in Paris and Munich. While abroad he was influenced by the art of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, the novels of James Joyce and Thomas Mann, and the psychological studies of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. These encounters led to Campbell's theory that all myths and epics are linked in the human psyche, and that they are cultural manifestations of the universal need to explain social, cosmological, and spiritual realities. 


After a period in California, where he encountered John Steinbeck and the biologist Ed Ricketts, he taught at the Canterbury School, and then, in 1934, joined the literature department at Sarah Lawrence College, a post he retained for many years. During the 40s and '50s, he helped Swami Nikhilananda to translate the Upanishads and The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. He also edited works by the German scholar Heinrich Zimmer on Indian art, myths, and philosophy. In 1944, with Henry Morton Robinson, Campbell published A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake. His first original work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, came out in 1949 and was immediately well received; in time, it became acclaimed as a classic. In this study of the "myth of the hero," Campbell asserted that there is a single pattern of heroic journey and that all cultures share this essential pattern in their various heroic myths. In his book he also outlined the basic conditions, stages, and results of the archetypal hero's journey.


Throughout his life, he traveled extensively and wrote prolifically, authoring many books, including the four-volume series The Masks of God, Myths to Live By, The Inner Reaches of Outer Space and The Historical Atlas of World Mythology. Joseph Campbell died in 1987. In 1988, a series of television interviews with Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, introduced Campbell's views to millions of people.


Reviews

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Bliss by Joseph Campbell is a motivational work that blends modern teachings with mythology, aiming to guide readers toward happiness and a blissful life. Campbell skillfully connects ancient mythological wisdom with contemporary challenges, even drawing some references from the Bible. The insights are inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on finding joy in life. However, the book lacks proper structural division, as it is not separated into chapters. This makes each page feel abruptly ended and disrupts the flow. With clearer segmentation of topics, the reading experience could have been smoother and far more engaging for the audience. The book deserves 4 stars.

Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 years ago, this would have been a 5-star review. So much of Campbell’s insight has been either rediscovered or found anew and been presented by others that it seems less insightful now. Still, he was the OG on mythology and Hero’s Journey clarity and there’s nuggets in here that it’s still wonderful to read in his own words. As a bonus, the book is short and non-linear, so it’s easy to pick up, read a little, get a kernel or two, and put it down. You can’t lose your place or be disappointed by what’s around the bend. I recommend.

[Judy Lindow · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this little gem - by the gem meister himself, Joseph Campbell, you will find quotes and guidance for transcendence, being, but mostly Bliss - Ananda. A joyous little compilation of the 'find your joy' greatest hits. A man of many hats, books, and much beloved as the curator of The Hero's Journey - you may want to read more and/or read again. the book needs a little satin ribbon to mark where you are. Don't be confused, this is not a book you hunker down with. It's meant for inspiration and an onramp.

I rank the ideas and quotes FIVE. The rank of THREE is connected to size and depth of content.

[Hbr the Human · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the missing link between all that I've been reading throughout this year.

My path has become clearer now.

Analytical psychology
Individuation
Philosophy
Mythology
Spirituality
Comparative religion
Anthropology
Creativity
Art

All is coming together now.

Speak to me freely.
I am listening.

[Wiley June · Rating 1 out of 5]

no thanks