Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) is considered by many today – particularly those of a New Age bent – to be something of a prophet. Certainly, his views on comparative mythology and religion have affected millions. This is not least because of his being championed by Bill Moyers on PBS with his The Power of Myth interviews.
Not only did Campbell have a gift for pithy epigrams – as witness his “Follow your bliss” – he also influenced those who influenced others. Most notable of these is George Lucas, who has praised Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces as the inspiration for the Star Wars franchise (although Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers also played some part).
