Joseph John Campbell (March 26, 1904 โ October 30, 1987) was an American writer. He was a professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College and worked extensively in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His work delves into many aspects of the human condition.
Campbell's most renowned work is his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), where he elaborates on his theory of the journey of the archetypal hero found in world mythologies, termed the monomyth. Since its publication, Campbell's theories have been adopted by modern writers and artists. His philosophy is encapsulated in his famous phrase: "Follow your bliss."
He received particular recognition in Hollywood when George Lucas acknowledged Campbell's influence on his Star Wars saga. Nevertheless, Campbell's approach to folklore and myth, and his impact on popular culture, have drawn criticism, especially from academic folklorists.