The Importance of Myth and Why We Should Understand It

Myth is not the opposite of truth; it’s a way of getting at deeper truths.
The Importance of Myth and Why We Should Understand It
“The Expulsion From the Garden of Eden,” 17th century, by Lambert de Hondt the Elder. Humanity constantly reaches for the wrong tree: We choose the Tree of Knowledge—facts, certainty, control—over the Tree of Life—imagination, trust, and faith. Public Domain
James Sale
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I have written about myth and specific myths for quite a while now. These ancient tales appear distant, archaic, and irrelevant to modern cultural and political debates. And yet, the truth is that myths have never been more relevant. Why? Because, unlike modern theories that claim truth is entirely relative or culturally conditioned, myths propose that some truths are universal—eternal, even—and recur in every age, including our own.

Let’s start with a non-Western classic. “Tao Te Ching” affirms that “if one does not recognize the Eternal, one falls into confusion and sin.” That word—eternal—is key. It refers to truths that do not alter depending on the times or the trends. Greek myths, and many others across cultures, capture such truths in the form of a story, image, or symbol. They speak to the nature of reality, human limitation, justice, and the consequences of pride. That’s why they endure.

James Sale
James Sale
Author
James Sale has had over 50 books published, most recently, “Mapping Motivation for Top Performing Teams” (Routledge, 2021). He has been nominated for the 2022 poetry Pushcart Prize, and won first prize in The Society of Classical Poets 2017 annual competition, performing in New York in 2019. His most recent poetry collection is “StairWell.” For more information about the author, and about his Dante project, visit EnglishCantos.home.blog