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Maps of Meaning

The Architecture of Belief

Jordan B Peterson author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:24th Mar '99

Should be back in stock very soon

Maps of Meaning cover

This book explores the intersection of neuropsychology and ancient narratives, revealing how myths shape human understanding and morality in Maps of Meaning.

In Maps of Meaning, the author delves into the intricate relationship between modern neuropsychology and the age-old narratives found in myths, rituals, and religious stories. This exploration raises compelling questions about the universality of human experience, as it examines why diverse cultures have created myths with strikingly similar structures throughout history. By analyzing these patterns, the author seeks to uncover deeper insights into the human mind, morality, and the fundamental nature of reality itself.

The book synthesizes knowledge from various fields, including neuropsychology, cognitive science, and the psychological theories of Freud and Jung. By doing so, Maps of Meaning offers a comprehensive framework that allows readers to understand the significance of myth and narrative in shaping human thought and behavior. The author argues that these stories are not merely relics of the past, but rather essential tools that help individuals navigate the complexities of modern life.

Ultimately, Maps of Meaning invites readers to engage with the wisdom embedded in ancient narratives, encouraging a critical examination of how these stories continue to resonate in contemporary society. This thought-provoking work aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding, providing a pathway for readers to find meaning in their own lives through the lens of myth.

"The book reflects its author's profound moral sense and vast erudition in areas ranging from clinical psychology to scripture and a good deal of personal soul-searching and experience...with patients who include prisoners, alcoholics and the mentally ill." -- Montreal Gazette
"This is not a book to be abstracted and summarized. Rather it should be read at leisure...and employed as a stimulus and reference to expand one's own maps of meaning. I plan to return to Peterson's musings and mapping many times over the next few years." -- Am JPsychiatry
"...a brilliant enlargement of our understanding of human motivation...a beautiful work." -- Sheldon H. White, Harvard University
"...unique...a brilliant new synthesis of the meaning of mythologies and our human need to relate in story form the deep structure of our experiences." -- Keith Oatley, University of Toronto

ISBN: 9780415922227

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 907g

564 pages