Mythcœur

Tag: narratives

  • Myth and Meaning in the Age of Metrics – Living beyond dashboards

    Myth and Meaning in the Age of Metrics – Living beyond dashboards

    “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” ― William Bruce Cameron

    In today’s data-driven world, where metrics and dashboards reign supreme, there is a growing concern about the limitations of quantifying every aspect of our existence. In the quest for optimization, businesses and individuals alike rely heavily on numbers to guide decisions and actions. But as we become more dependent on these metrics, it’s essential to ask: What do we lose when we ignore the myth, meaning, and stories that transcend numbers?

    The Lure of Quantification

    The allure of metrics is undeniable. With the aid of digital dashboards, we can track progress, identify efficiencies, and make data-informed decisions. The business sector, in particular, reveres metrics as the ultimate tools for performance evaluation. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), return on investment (ROI), and engagement rates have become the new lingua franca.

    However, this obsession with quantification often comes at the cost of ignoring the qualitative aspects that enrich our lives. The mythic dimension of human experience, laden with narratives and symbols, offers depth that can’t be reduced to a mere number.

    The Power of Myth and Meaning

    • Symbols Speak Volumes: Mythological symbols and stories provide a shared framework that transcends cultures and generations. Carl Jung noted the idea of the collective unconscious, which taps into the deeper meanings embedded in our psyche.
    • The Narrative Imperative: Narratives give context and meaning to our actions. As anthropologist Clifford Geertz famously stated, “Man is an animal suspended in webs of significance he himself has spun.”
    • Resilience through Storytelling: Stories have the power to transform adversity into resilience. Unlike metrics that can dehumanize, storytelling humanizes, providing a blueprint for navigating life’s complexities.

    Living Beyond Dashboards

    Embracing myth and meaning doesn’t mean abandoning metrics—rather, it requires integrating quantitative data with qualitative insights. This melding of worlds can produce a more holistic understanding of life’s complexities. For individuals and businesses alike, balancing these realms could mean reimagining what success looks like beyond the numbers.

    As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital dashboards, we must remind ourselves to look beyond them to the myths and narratives that define our humanity. Living fully means accepting the richness of life that can’t always be captured by metrics. In an age obsessed with numbers, let’s not forget the stories that continue to shape our reality.

  • Science Explains, Myth Orients – A forgotten division of labor

    Science Explains, Myth Orients – A forgotten division of labor

    Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the world through a dual approach of scientific inquiry and mythological frameworks. While science helps us explain and predict phenomena based on empirical evidence, myth provides orientation and meaning, offering narratives that shape cultural norms and personal identities. Although distinct, these modes of understanding have complemented each other, playing vital roles in the human experience.

    The Rise of Science

    The scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries marked a significant shift in how we comprehend the natural world. Groundbreaking figures such as Galileo Galilei, Sir Isaac Newton, and later, Charles Darwin, laid the foundation for modern science by emphasizing observation, experimentation, and rational inquiry. This era heralded a move towards explanations based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning, as described by renowned cosmologist Neil deGrasse Tyson:

    “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.”

    Science’s triumphs, from understanding gravity to decoding the human genome, have dramatically transformed our world. By explaining the laws governing everything from planetary motion to biological processes, science offers a powerful means to navigate and manipulate the physical universe.

    The Role of Myth

    In contrast, myth has traditionally served as the collective imagination, a tool for societies to articulate values, ethics, and identity. Myths are rich with symbolism and moral lessons, providing a framework that transcends mere factual explanation. Joseph Campbell, a prominent scholar of mythology, pointedly noted the enduring power of myth in his work, The Power of Myth:

    “Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.”

    Mythical narratives, from the epic tales of Homer to the spiritual texts of various religions, orient individuals and societies by addressing the existential questions of life: Why are we here? What is our purpose? While science deals with the ‘how,’ myth tackles the ‘why,’ nurturing the psychological and emotional landscapes that science alone may not satisfy.

    Complementary Disciplines

    Despite their differences, science and myth have historically complemented each other. Consider the ancient Greeks, who revered the myths of gods and heroes while also giving birth to scientific thought through philosophers like Aristotle. These cultural narratives provided a cohesive worldview in which scientific pursuits were intricately interwoven with mythological understanding.

    In many indigenous cultures, traditional myths articulate deep ecological insights, reflecting systems of knowledge that guide sustainable living practices. As eloquently stated by Wade Davis, an anthropologist and ethno-botanist, in his Ted Talk:

    “A language is not just a body of vocabulary or a set of grammatical rules. Every language is an old-growth forest of the mind, a watershed of thought, an ecosystem of spiritual possibilities.”

    The Modern Rift

    In the modern world, an inadvertent rift has emerged between science and myth, partly due to the elevation of materialism and the emphasis on technological progress. Many view myths as obsolete or mere stories of primitive people trying to make sense of the world without scientific tools.

    This separation often leads to a societal imbalance, with a strict reliance on science risking a neglect of ethical considerations and spiritual well-being. Historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, in his book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, emphasizes the significance of shared myths in shaping civilizations:

    “You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.”

    Such narratives underscore the importance of shared myths in fostering cooperation and cultural cohesion, which purely science-driven perspectives might overlook.

    Reintegrating Science and Myth

    To rectify the current division, a reintegration of scientific and mythological thinking is crucial. The two can exist synergistically, with science offering clarity and possibilities while myth endows these discoveries with meaning and context. As both scientific knowledge expands and global challenges grow, creating new myths that incorporate scientific insights is essential.

    Educational systems can play a central role in cultivating this balance by teaching students to appreciate the strengths and limitations of both science and myth. Encouraging interdisciplinary studies and fostering a critical understanding of various cultural narratives can enhance our ability to address modern ethical dilemmas.

    Conclusion

    In our quest for knowledge and understanding, science and myth represent two indispensable pillars of human thought. Science offers explanations and advancements that change our material world, while myth provides the stories that shape our inner worlds and societal values. By acknowledging and embracing their complementary roles, we can better navigate the complexities of the human condition with wisdom and insight.

    As we move forward in this ever-evolving landscape of discovery, let us be reminded of our ancient division of labor, where how we understand the universe and our place in it is enriched by both science and myth.

  • The Return of the Sacred Narrative – Why myth is resurfacing in a rational age

    The Return of the Sacred Narrative – Why myth is resurfacing in a rational age

    The Return of the Sacred Narrative: Why Myth is Resurfacing in a Rational Age

    In an era dominated by science and reason, one might presume that myths and sacred narratives would find little place. Yet, paradoxically, these age-old stories filled with gods, heroes, and cosmic battles are making a resurgence. But why are these narratives, which have traveled through millennia, finding their way back into contemporary consciousness?

    The Enduring Power of Myth

    The resilience of myth lies in its ability to speak to the human condition. Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, once said, “Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.” In myths, we encounter archetypal figures and cosmic dramas that resonate deeply, reflecting our own struggles, desires, and aspirations. They provide a lens through which we can view the complexities and mysteries of life.

    In modern times, we are bombarded with information, much of it technical and logical. However, humans are not purely rational beings. We are also emotional and instinctual. Stories, particularly myths, cater to the part of our psyche that seeks meaning and connections beyond the tangible.

    The Role of Myth in Modern Society

    In today’s society, there is a reinvigorated interest in narratives that offer more than empirical evidence. These stories provide frameworks for understanding human experiences beyond the scopes of logic and science. Here are a few reasons why myths are resurging in today’s rational age:

    • Existential Anxiety: With rapid technological advancement comes existential questions. Stories that address creation, purpose, and the afterlife offer solace amidst uncertainty.
    • Community and Identity: Myths often serve as foundational narratives that shape cultural identity and community. As globalization blurs borders, people turn to myths to understand their place in the world.
    • Ethical and Moral Guidance: Myths often encapsulate moral and ethical lessons, providing a guide to navigating complex social landscapes.
    • Artistic Inspiration: Modern creators draw on ancient myths to craft stories that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels, from novels and films to art and music.

    Mythology in Popular Culture

    The resurgence of myth is readily apparent in popular culture. Films like “Wonder Woman” and “Thor” tap into ancient narratives of gods and heroes, reimagining them for contemporary audiences. Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” explores the premise of old gods in a new world, cleverly illustrating the clash between traditional mythologies and modern life.

    “Gaiman uses the legacy of myth to critique modern society…prompting readers to question what we worship, and at what cost.” – NPR

    Similarly, the online gaming world is rife with narratives drawn from mythological systems. Games such as “God of War” delve into Greek mythology, offering immersive experiences where players engage directly with these age-old myths.

    Scientific Mythology: The New Frontier

    Intriguingly, even in the realms of science and technology, mythological narratives find applicability. As Carl Sagan suggested, science itself can be seen as a kind of myth-making. His “Pale Blue Dot” vision is celebrated not only for its scientific insight but also for its poetic, almost mythic, call to cherish our planet.

    Quantum physics and cosmology push the boundaries of the known universe, sparking imagination and inviting parallels with mythological thinking. As these fields explore concepts like multiverses and dark matter, the line between scientific exploration and mythological narrative becomes fascinatingly blurred.

    The Sacred Within the Secular

    Another factor is the resurgence of spirituality in secular guises. The rise of movements such as modern neo-paganism and an increased interest in indigenous spiritual practices reflect a yearning for the sacred amidst a seemingly materialistic world. Many are finding that myth and spirituality offer profound means of connecting with themselves and the universe.

    Consider the popularity of festivals like Burning Man, an event that embodies a kind of myth-making in a community context. People come together to create a temporary mythical utopia, celebrating life through art, music, and storytelling.

    Conclusion: Embracing a Mythic Future

    As we navigate this rational age, it becomes evident that myths have not been replaced by science but have resurfaced in a new form. They beckon us to look beyond the literal and engage with the symbolic. By synthesizing the rational with the mythical, we can cultivate a more holistic understanding of our world.

    As Rollo May, an influential psychologist, beautifully articulated, “Myth is a way of making sense in a senseless world.” Embracing the mythic potential of our age may cultivate richer existential insight and, ultimately, a more meaningful human experience.

  • Myth as Operating System – The symbolic code beneath human cognition

    Myth as Operating System – The symbolic code beneath human cognition

    Myth as Operating System: The Symbolic Code Beneath Human Cognition

    In the realm of human consciousness, myths serve as the unseen processors embedded within our cultural psyche. They function much like an operating system, setting the parameters within which societies understand themselves and their place in the universe. Just as an operating system provides the basic instructions for managing hardware and executing tasks, myths encode the fundamental beliefs and archetypes that shape human cognition and behavior.

    The Nature of Myth

    Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, defined myths as “the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human cultural manifestation”. (Source). These narratives are not merely stories of ancient times but are deeply embedded patterns that guide human behavior and understanding. Myths are potent precisely because they resonate with the depths of our psyche, speaking to the universal experiences of being human.

    Myths and Archetypes

    Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung introduced the concept of archetypes, fundamental human motifs that reside within the collective unconscious. He posited that these patterns are found across cultures and eras, suggesting a universal symbolic language. Jung wrote, “Myths are first and foremost psychic phenomena that reveal the nature of the soul”. (Source)

    • The Hero: Seen in figures like Gilgamesh, Hercules, and even modern heroes such as Luke Skywalker, representing the journey of self-discovery and triumph over adversity.
    • The Wise Old Man: A figure of wisdom and guidance, often appearing as Merlin or Gandalf.
    • The Shadow: Representing the dark, unseen aspects of our personality that must be acknowledged and integrated for personal growth.

    Myth’s Role in Cognitive Framework

    Myths influence cognitive frameworks by providing a symbolic language through which humans interpret their experiences. Anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss argued that myth is a language, orchestrated by symbols to convey meaning and to navigate the human experience. According to Lévi-Strauss, “the purpose of myth is to provide a logical model capable of overcoming contradictions”. (Source)

    “It would not be true to say that myth serves to explain the world, but rather it is used to overcome certain contradictions that cannot be resolved through ordinary human actions and thought.”

    Operating Systems of the Mind

    In software, an operating system manages resources and provides services to applications that run on a computer. Similarly, in cultures around the world, myths provide the metaphorical framework needed for individuals to process their life experiences. They offer a way to navigate and make sense of existence, as seen in:

    • World Creation Myths: These myths address fundamental questions of origin and existence, offering a schema within which science and faith can coexist.
    • Mythical Morality Tales: Stories like the Pandora’s Box or the tales of the Buddha offer ethical guidelines, presenting a moral landscape that guides personal and collective behavior.
    • End-of-World Narratives: Myths about apocalypses, like Ragnarök or the Christian Apocalypse, prepare societies to face the inevitability of change and transformation.

    Application in Modern Society

    While contemporary society often views myths as quaint or outdated narratives, their impact remains unmistakably potent. Advertisers and filmmakers, knowingly or unknowingly, utilize mythic structures to craft compelling narratives that touch audiences deeply. For instance, the hero’s journey — a classic narrative template — is the backbone of many modern blockbusters. As mythologist Michael Vannoy Adams notes, “Myth is not what happened in the past. Myth is what happens all the time” (Source), suggesting that myth continues its evolutionary role in contemporary culture.

    The Interplay between Myth and Technology

    In our digital age, it is fascinating to explore how technology itself perpetuates new myths. The myth of the computer as an all-knowing oracle has parallels with ancient deities of wisdom. Furthermore, digital narratives echo mythic structures, reflecting our enduring quest for understanding and mastery over the world. The internet, a vast network of knowledge, can be likened to a modern-day Akashic Record—a mythological compendium of infinite wisdom.

    Conclusion

    Myths provide the symbolic maps needed to navigate the complexities of human consciousness and cultural identity. As operating systems of the psyche, they organize our perceptions of reality and imbue life with meaning. Despite advancements in science and technology, myths remain central to our understanding of the world and ourselves, continually evolving and adapting to meet the needs of each new era.

    By recognizing the mythic frameworks that underlie our cognition, we gain insight not only into ancient narratives but also into the codes that continue to shape our lives. As we explore the intersection of myth, cognition, and culture, we become better equipped to understand the past and present fabric of human experience.

  • Myth Against the Machine – Why ancient stories still resist total automation

    Myth Against the Machine – Why ancient stories still resist total automation

    As we stand on the precipice of a digital revolution, where artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly pervasive force, the timeless richness of ancient myths continues to hold a commanding allure. This is not merely because they anchor us to our past or entertain us with their narratives, but because these stories articulate human truths that machines, however advanced, struggle to replicate.

    “Stories have shapes,” noted the writer Kurt Vonnegut in his classic lecture on the shape of stories, “which can be drawn on graph paper.” Yet, the nuanced emotional resonance that imparts life to these shapes often eludes artificial intelligence.

    • The Role of Emotion and Intuition: Ancient myths are steeped in emotional depth, laden with archetypes that evoke visceral responses and motivate introspective thought. These narratives are crafted with a unique blend of intuition and emotion, elements often absent in data-driven machine outputs.
    • Timelessness in Themes: Myths explore themes that persist across eons—love, betrayal, heroism, and the existential quests of humanity. While a machine may identify and replicate plot patterns, delving into the profound philosophical questions these themes raise requires an understanding of human consciousness and existential musings, realms where AI is yet to venture fully.

    Moreover, myths forge a collective cultural identity. As Joseph Campbell highlighted in “The Power of Myth”, myths “are the body of stories and legends that a people perceive as real, valid, and meaningful.” They link us through shared ideas and communal experiences, aspects that foster a deeper connection than any algorithm can currently compute.

    In a world increasingly dominated by technological advancements, the human craving for authenticity and depth in storytelling becomes more pronounced. The narratives woven by our ancestors are not just tales but are an essential part of the conversations we continue to hold about life, morality, and the human condition.

    While algorithmic advancements have made significant strides—generating text, simulating dialogues, and even composing music—the essence of myth lies in its reflection of human experience and its capacity to evolve with societal changes. It remains an art born from communal experiences, emotional depth, and cultural introspection. The enduring relevance of these ancient stories in resisting total automation emphasizes an important truth: though machines may replicate structure, the sacred essence of storytelling—inherent to human nature—remains elusive to them.

  • The New Mythology: Crafting Personal Narratives Through Art

    The New Mythology: Crafting Personal Narratives Through Art

    In an age where communication is often reduced to fleeting digital interactions, the act of creating personal narratives through art has emerged as a transformative experience. This new mythology is not carved in ancient stone or written in the annals of old texts but is instead a vibrant testament to individual experience, emotion, and imagination. Through painting, sculpture, music, and film, artists today are crafting personal myths that resonate on a universal scale.

    The Power of Personal Myth

    Mythologies have historically served as a means to explain the unexplainable, to give life to the abstract. Today, as individuals seek to define themselves in an ever-changing world, personal myth-making through art has become a potent form of self-expression and identity construction. As Joseph Campbell famously said, “Myths are public dreams, and dreams are private myths.” This intersection of the public and private narrative allows artists to communicate their innermost thoughts and feelings with audiences who may share those same universal themes.

    “We tell ourselves stories in order to live,” wrote Joan Didion, capturing the essence of why humans have leaned on storytelling throughout history. These stories, reflected in the evolving mythologies of contemporary times, are integral to our understanding of self and other.

    Art as a Reflection of Self

    • Paintings and Drawings: The act of painting provides a canvas not just for colors, but for life stories. Artists like Frida Kahlo have famously used self-portraits to express personal pain and resilience. Kahlo’s works are deeply autobiographical, with vibrant symbolism that hints at both her Mexican heritage and her personal suffering.
    • Music and Performance: Musicians often speak to their own myths through songs. Taylor Swift, for example, weaves intricate personal narratives into her albums, transforming personal experiences into relatable anthems. “[…] with each album, I explore a new world and create a new mythology for myself,” Swift reveals in an interview with Rolling Stone.
    • Film and Media: Directors like Guillermo del Toro craft richly layered cinematic experiences that blend personal folklore with universal themes. In movies such as Pan’s Labyrinth, del Toro explores the dark corners of human experience, inviting audiences into his own mythological universe that straddles reality and fantasy.

    The Universal Appeal

    While deeply personal, the narratives crafted by artists have universal resonance. The themes they explore—love, loss, identity, and transformation—are experiences shared by many. It is this commonality that gives these new mythologies their power. By funneling personal experience through the prism of art, creators offer mirrors for audiences to see their own stories reflected back at them.

    Art therapist Cathy Malchiodi discusses the healing aspects of art-making, stating, “Creating art enables us to find and lose ourselves at the same time.” This duality is at the heart of why personal myth-making remains relevant; it allows for both introspection and connection.

    The Modern Storytellers

    Modern artists are not constrained by the traditional boundaries of narrative. The digital age has opened up new avenues for storytelling, from multimedia installations to virtual reality experiences. Artists like Olafur Eliasson use these tools to craft immersive environments that invite viewers to step into the narrative, altering their perceptions and inviting them to become part of the story. In his work The Weather Project, Eliasson engaged with a mass audience to reflect on the environment and our relationship to it, crafting a shared mythic experience.

    Social media platforms, too, play a role, allowing artists to engage with audiences in real-time and receive immediate feedback. This interactivity enhances the storytelling process, as narratives can evolve with contributions from a global audience, emphasizing the collective nature of these new myths.

    Conclusion: Embracing Your Own Mythology

    The creation of personal narratives through art is a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. In a world where individual voices can seem lost amid the noise, art remains a beacon of personal and collective human experience. As viewers engage with these stories, they find themselves both observer and participant in a cosmic dance, one that transcends time and space.

    The new mythology invites each of us to author our own stories, to craft our own legends, and to embark on our own hero’s journeys. Like the myths of old, these contemporary narratives hold the power to transform not only the creator but also those who journey alongside them.