"The purpose of this paper is to clarify the meaning of Joseph Campbell’s logically incomprehensible notions non-dual realization and total affirmation, with clues discovered in poems by T. S. Eliot and Emily Dickinson and a novel by Virginia Woolf. It examines these evidently ideal-driven views of Campbell as to whether they can serve to solve pragmatic problems, as he insinuates. The paper first considers what non-dual realization is, and points out hints found in Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot and The Waves by Virginia Woolf. Secondly, it interprets what Campbell means by total affirmation and indicates keys in the same works of literature. Finally, it describes the effects of total affirmation through non-dual realization and points out clues in a poem by Emily Dickinson in addition to the above. These poems and novels as well as Campbell’s views are in appearance romantic and illogical and not products of reasoning. Their practical potential, however, should not be underestimated. They complement logical viewpoints and offer realistic and fundamental solutions for human society. " |