The Golden Bough
"The Golden Bough" by James George Frazer is an extensive study of mythology and religion, exploring the similarities between various cultures' beliefs and rituals. Frazer examines the connections between magic, religion, and science, proposing that human societies evolve from primitive magic to organized religion and eventually to scientific reasoning. The work emphasizes the importance of myth and ritual in understanding human culture and the universal themes that bind diverse societies together.
20 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Golden Bough, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
The belief in the efficacy of magic is the foundation of all religions.
The king is dead; long live the king!
The cycle of life and death is the most fundamental aspect of human existence.
Mythology is the language of the soul.
The primitive man believes in a world of spirits that govern his fate.
Rituals serve to connect the individual to the community and the cosmos.
The harvest of the fields is a reflection of the harvest of the soul.
In every myth lies a kernel of truth.
The study of magic is the study of human psychology.
The ancient rites have a significance that transcends time.
The belief in magic is a universal phenomenon.
The savage is not a man who is less than civilized, but a man who is more so.
Mythology is a mirror that reflects the society that produces it.
Rituals are the outward expressions of the inner beliefs of a people.
The fertility of the soil is the foundation of all human civilization.
The sacred is often intertwined with the profane.
To understand a culture, one must understand its myths.
The dying god is a symbol of renewal and rebirth.
Magic and religion are two sides of the same coin.
Human beings are creatures of custom and habit.