I would also say there is a difference between things I’m good at and things I like, and spiritual things. I love eating ice cream, it makes me happy. I look forward to basketball every week, and that stays with me beyond a week at a time. But I don’t consider these spiritual in nature. Spiritual is tied to purpose and meaning…more like what kind of father am I? Or can our family be together in the next life? Answering those questions tells me who I am, not just what I like or am good at.

BTW, I am enjoying Campbell’s book Power of Myth right now, about half way through. Very good thoughts in it. It is strengthening my testimony in Christ.

I don’t know what Campbell is thinking but I do know that I read and reread his quote I wrote what I feel it means to me. This is a good example of how people interpret things differently and can get different meanings out of the same thing.

I think if he said something like “find your purpose” rather than “follow your bliss” that would have helped me feel that he was referring more to joy than to happiness. Following your bliss sounds to me like you just do what feels good and makes you happy without regard to what others think. So, I think I disagree with the terminology enough to disagree with the quote as well. I don’t like it, it seems to self-serving.

would campbell understand the big enough difference in words? And doesn’t it seem like he already gets it, through synonyms like “bliss,” and by contrasting it with “thrill” or “excitement.” It seems to me he means happiness to be something of a higher goal. Perhaps even what you mean by joy? Why don’t you think Campbell means a “deeper, lasting feeling”?

so, what I’m trying to get at is…I don’t think you disagree with the quote. I think you disagree with the terminology because you associate the terminology with different things, but when you get down to ideas, Cambpell’s talking about the same things you are…and he would probably suggest the same things you do (e.g., sacrifice, putting others ahead of yourself or your own comfort and needs.)

I don’t think it is picking at words. I personally think there is a big enough difference between joy and happiness that it makes a difference in the meaning of the quote. Joy to me is not the same as happiness. To me, happiness is a more fleeting, superficial feeling and joy is a deeper, lasting feeling. I can be happy going out to eat at my favorite restaurant everyday, but as soon as I leave that feeling is over. Joy is something that lasts and can sustain you in times of challenge.

I also think that people who are sincerely trying to follow the Savior DO think about others more than they don’t. That is part of sacrifice, putting others ahead of yourself or your own comfort and needs. Remember, “As I have loved you, love one another.” How did He love us? He gave His life for us. That is the ultimate sacrifice and thinking of others completely.

Jen, I think that’s a bit of picking at words.

I think when Campbell says happy/happiness, he is referring to joy…I mean, would following your bliss refer to joy or happiness? Gotta look at context.

If you read it exchanging happiness with joy…does it change things? In fact, with looking at the things he “contrasts” to happiness…I think he’s at least trying to go for the same concept

The way to find out about joy is to keep your mind on those moments when you feel most joyful, when you are really joyful – not happy, not just thrilled, but deeply joyful. This requires a little bit of self-analysis. What is it that brings you joy? Stay with it, no matter what people tell you. This is what is called following your bliss.

If you decided you just wanted to “follow your bliss” and didn’t care what anyone else thought, you might be engaging in the same thing that the Savior discussed: remember, he came not to bring peace, but a sword. To set man against father, daughter against mother, etc., etc., Does that make religion a “self-centered happiness”? No. Of course you try to share and bring the gospel to family, but you have to put first things first.

I believe happiness can be fleeting compared to joy and that we have to be careful to understand that what makes us happy at any given moment is not necessarily what will bring us lasting joy. For this reason I have to disagree with the comment above to “stay with it, no matter what people tell you.” If I graduate from high school and get a fun job as a lifeguard, I could make money and be having a great time living off my parents and spending my money how I want. That would make me happy, and could for several years, because eventually I would need to move on to college (or a better job) and support myself financially. This is not something that would probably make me happy, but would be necessary. If I decided I just wanted to “follow my bliss” and I didn’t care what anyone else thought, it probably would create a sort of self-centered happiness, but I wouldn’t be too well liked by those around me and eventually something would have to change in order for me to support myself. I believe spirituality involves sacrifice or giving up something for something better. That isn’t seeking happiness in that moment, or “following your bliss” but it is on the pathway to a deeper and lasting feeling…..joy.

For me spirituality involves sacrifice. I believe sacrifice teaches us patience and gratitude and helps us see outside ourselves better. I also believe it leads us to joy. Rather than just having happy moments or “happy times” here and there, we can feel deep and lasting joy, even in the midst of difficulty. I think the “following your bliss” concept is somewhat of a problem nowadays in that people just want to feel good and live a life of ease and they really don’t want to sacrifice their time or their comfort to work for something better.