Joseph Campbell became quite famous for his analysis of the hero’s journey and its influence on films like Star Wars and The Lion King.
PICTURE: Samuel Roy/Unsplash
One of the ideas he suggests is part of our shared humanity is this: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
What a profound idea. Luke Skywalker must enter the dark cave to become a true Jedi – but forget about fictional characters. What about you? You?
Does the cave you fear hold the treasure you seek? Do you have the courage to find out?
This message is the antithesis of today’s safety, trigger warning, helicopter parenting. Yes, responsible boundaries are needed, but not at the expense of heroism and courage.
We overcome our fears by facing them, slowly, not by hiding from them
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.