Mr. Joseph Campbell - Taking the Left Hand Path and Traders

The other day I was watching some lectures given by Mr. Joseph Campbell. Mr. Campbell was known for his interdisciplinary studies in mythology. In his lecture he mentioned taking the “left-hand path” in life. There are many definitions and ideas associated with the left, and the left-hand path, however, in this particular lecture Mr. Campbell was discussing the hero’s journey.

The mythological hero who takes the left hand path is taking the unconventional, not tried, and risky path. The person who follows the right hand path can be considered risk averse, conventional, and comfortable following the herd. The hero who takes the left hand path must be confident, understand that he or she may or may not be helped along the way, and if they return unharmed will be stronger going forward. The strength gained may be emotional, psychological, or physical.

Nonetheless, this all made me think about traders. Traders to me are people who follow the left hand path in life. They deal with risks everyday. The way they trade and their choice of working for money in this way is unconventional. The trader faces difficulties and pressure under stressful market conditions, which are similar to the trial a hero may face. It is during the trial that the hero will succeed. Are you following the left-hand path in life? For those who do, the rewards are enormous.