Kennedi Santomenna - HUM 1020 - CRN 14242

Chapter 3: Myth

(Wheel of Destiny, Generative AI Illustration Stock Illustration - Illustration of astrologe, moon: 279767714)

"The sense of destiny can offer comfort, relief, and freedom from responsibility because, if something is 'meant to be,' no one is to blame (3.5)."

When faced with hardships, it is easier to say that it was meant to happen rather than think that the world is against you. Using the word "destiny," people will feel more secure in their everyday lives. This can also include the idea that everything happens for a reason. I agree that there is a reason for what a person goes through. For instance, when making a mistake, you learn from it. But I can also see how that can be a way for some to feel relief in their choices. If having a bad day can be relieved by thinking it was supposed to be that way, it is easier to understand than be upset. Myths offer security and comfort for those who take life seriously.

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(Young Woman Looking through the Mirror and Smiling. Self Love. Love Yourself Stock Illustration - Illustration of attractive, positive: 184568963)

"Although more people live alone than ever before, most still seem to believe that having a companion--someone to love, someone who loves--is the one thing that will make living worthwhile (3.5)."

Love comes in many shapes and forms and it is around the world. Feeling loved is one of the most important things to occur in someone's life. It gives people reason to work hard and to strive to become better. There is an ongoing debate about whether finding someone's true love will make life easier and give them a reason to live. I don't necessarily agree that finding a partner is a necessity in living a prosperous life. There are many myths like, "the red string theory" and "soulmates" to give people ideas that there is someone for them. I have learned that finding happiness does not mean finding a partner rather, finding happiness is learning how to love yourself and to be proud of your achievements. If someone devotes their life to finding a partner, they will become blinded to what they can accomplish. Finding love doesn't mean just finding a partner, but also finding love with yourself.

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(“Read” Illustrations to Improve Literacy… | PBS KIDS for Parents)

"Our myths stay with us for life and grow up with us, fulfilling psychological needs at every stage of our development (3.1)."

Myths can branch off into stories. An example is Excalibur or Robin Hood. Many stories were based on the two and stuck with children throughout the years. Children's stories will stick with the child for a long time. I still remember The Boy Who Cried Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood. All of those stories have a significant meaning to them. The Boy Who Cried Wolf means to use your resources sparingly. I remember my mom would use that story as a way to explain why 911 is used for only emergencies. Little Red Riding Hood shows children to never trust a stranger. As for Excalibur and Robin Hood, I remember those stories being intriguing but everlasting. For most of my time in my senior year, we resorted to the story Excalibur and the many different versions of it. With these stories, they portray a very important message to the listener or reader. Some of the messages stay and some of them we forget, but the ones we remember will be a good learning lesson.

References

11th Edition, 2017, Richard Paul Janaro & Thelma C. Altshuler, The Art of Being Human