On Creativity

The fourth in a series of beautiful pocket gift books compiling renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell’s short reflections on the power of creativity, perfect for carrying everywhere or gifting to someone who is drawn to the life-altering pull of the creative process. In On Creativity, the legendary mythologist Joseph Campbell explores the timeless role of the artist as visionary interpreter of the mystery of life. Part of the Joseph Campbell Essentials series highlighting recurring motifs in Campbell’s work, it follows On the Hero’s Journey, On Bliss, and On Love. Drawn from his decades of lecturing and writing, this volume gathers Campbell’s reflections on creativity, imagination, and the transformative power of art, offering a pocket-size wellspring of inspiration for artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, or anyone simply seeking a deeper relationship with their own creative process. Threaded throughout this collection of quotes is Campbell’s steadfast belief that creativity is more than an exercise in self-expression or a technical skill; it is a spiritual act. Artists are modern-day seers who “hear the song of the world” and render it visible through creative form. He invites readers to see art as something more than decoration or product — as a gateway to aesthetic arrest, the moment when a piece quiets the mind, dissolves fear and desire, and reveals the radiant mystery inherent in the world. Creativity, in this sense, offers guidance and meaning in a time when traditional spiritual structures feel inadequate to the task. For both seasoned artists and those just beginning their creative journeys, this book affirms Campbell’s enduring message that the creative process is our bridge between the tangible and the mystical.