Universal Myth Theories
The old idea of a universal myth theory, derided by Voltaire, is in modern times most famously represented by Joseph Campbell. There were many books written in the 17th century purporting to explain all myths. But Voltaire was deriding a Christian myth theory, while Campbell proposes a psychological one.
Perhaps the last work which employed this earlier use of the term mythography was George Eliot's novel Middlemarch. Its character Casaubon was involved in such a project in the mid-19th century. The story tells of a woman who proved unable to finish the project after his death and abandoned it. Casaubon's character is a satire on academic pedantry and hubris.
Read more about this topic: Mythographers
Famous quotes containing the words universal, myth and/or theories:
“Necessity does everything well. In our condition of universal dependence, it seems heroic to let the petitioner be the judge of his necessity, and to give all that is asked, though at great inconvenience.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Taste is more to do with manners than appearances. Taste is both myth and reality; it is not a style.”
—Stephen Bayley (b. 1951)
“The egoism which enters into our theories does not affect their sincerity; rather, the more our egoism is satisfied, the more robust is our belief.”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)