Full Article. Myth, a symbolic narrative, usually of unknown origin and at least partly traditional, that ostensibly relates actual events and that is especially associated with religious belief. It is distinguished from symbolic behaviour (cult, ritual) and symbolic places or objects (temples, icons). Myths are specific accounts of gods ...
This is hardly surprising, because a myth has its authority not by proving itself but by presenting itself.
Because the variety is so great , it is difficult to generalize about the nature of myths. But it is clear that in their general characteristics and in their details a people’s myths reflect, express, and explore the people’s self-image.
The word myth derives from the Greek mythos, which has a range of meanings from “word,” through “saying” and “story,” to “fiction”; the unquestioned validity of mythos can be contrasted with logos, the word whose validity or truth can be argued and demonstrated.
Because myths narrate fantastic events with no attempt at proof, it is sometimes assumed that they are simply stories with no factual basis, and the word has become a synonym for falsehood or, at best, misconception.
Myths are Metaphysical. Myths orient people to the metaphysical dimension, explain the origins and nature of the cosmos, validate social issues, and, on the psychological plane, address themselves to the innermost depths of the psyche. - Campbell. Myths are Proto-Scientific.
Myths are Dreams. Sometimes myths are public dreams which, like private dreams, emerge from the unconscious mind. - Freud.
The word myth is used in many contexts, but it doesn't seem to have a single meaning. When discussing myth with others, you should determine what they mean in order to have a common frame of reference and avoid hurting someone's feelings (unless, of course, you don't care).
Approaching, but not quite reaching an adequate, thorough definition of myth is the following: "Myths are stories told by people about people: where they come from, how they handle major disasters, how they cope with what they must and how everything will end.
You might admit you can't prove them to unbelievers, but the stories simply aren't as fantastic as myth (said with tones indicating disparagement). A vehement denial doesn't prove one way or another that something is or is not a myth, but you could be right.
Here is how philosopher and psychiatrist James Kern Feiblemanone defines myth: A religion in which no one any longer believes.
Putting a value on myth doesn't help matters. Negative and positive descriptions of the content of myth are not definitions and don't even explain very much. Many have tried to define myth, with only limited success. Let's look at an array of definitions from leading philosophers, psychoanalysts, and other thinkers to see how complicated the seemingly simple term myth actually is:
We also develop beliefs resulting from personal experiences and the feelings that we associate with them in those moments. More so, we develop beliefs through our repeated actions. If you are consistently late, you start to believe that you are terrible at time management when, in fact, a better alarm clock and sleep habits could change that label. In time, beliefs shape our identity, and we become them to some extent.
There are three main types of beliefs that all of us as humans have. Let’s look at each one.
While beliefs about others and the world generate our stereotypes and can lead to xenophobia, racism, and sexism, or the literal opposite of all of those, beliefs about ourselves drive our self-image. Together, they set the boundaries of what and with whom we feel comfortable to speak, act, help, or ask for help. The gap between our beliefs about others and ourselves creates our attitude and, eventually, shapes our belief about our world in general.
You see, in time, beliefs become labels. We plaster them on our foreheads and use them to justify our action or inaction. They serve as a mental pacifier to allow us to keep the status quo. Instead of learning how to spell, it’s much easier to label yourself as a lousy speller.
Beliefs are the things we hold as true, regardless of whether we have any proof of their objective truth. Beliefs are developed and inherited. As we grow up, we learn and take on the views of those around us, especially those whom we look up to. Parents, teachers, mentors, colleagues—they all pass their beliefs on to us, and we have the leeway to accept them or not. In time, we might turn them into our own beliefs or reject them.
Your values and beliefs are not fixed. Here is the great news about beliefs and values: They are not inscribed into your DNA. They are learned and have developed and grown in you since your birth. They bubbled to where they are today because of your environment, experiences, events, and decisions in your life.
Regardless of the level of scientific or empirical proof, most people have difficulty justifying their beliefs, and frankly, most of us don’t even like to. As a matter of fact, we all would be a lot happier if everyone else around us had the same beliefs as we do, or at least, that they would not challenge us on them. Of course, that is impossible, and this is precisely what fuels most of the world’s conflicts.