Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, and a Moment of His Time

Our life is all about moments. We string togehter our moments and that is our life. We hope we have more good moments than not, but all of those moments no matter what make us who we are. I try to remember my moments that made a difference for me like the one I had with Bill Moyers .

That one moment — and it was just that, a single moment — that I have never forgotten is when I received a message from the late Bill Moyers,  (June 5, 1934 – June 26, 2025).

Photo from the ap

Reaching Out to Bill Moyers

I wrote to Bill Moyers assistant inquiring if he would be interested in accepting a copy of the first book in my fantasy trilogy, “The Amulet: Journey to Sirok”. It didn’t take long before she responded, sharing with me that he would be happy to receive my book.

I sent him the book with this email:

August 4, 2017

Dear Mr. Moyers,

I am very honored to have this opportunity to not only send you my book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, but to tell you that The Power of Myth and Joseph Campbell inspired me to write it. I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology. Thank you.

My book takes a new spin on the Hero’s Journey as I feel I have written it for our time. This is a time when stereotypes are been thrown to the wind and, those who have their eyes open and looking forward, are embracing humanities beautiful differences.

I would like to urge you to read my story. I hope you can sharewith me your thoughts. Please share with (assistant’s name) that I appreciate her warm and inviting response to me.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope for only the best to come your way.

Warmly,

Ed Kardos

Ten Days Later, Mr. Moyers Responded

Aug 14, 2017

Dear Mr. Kardos:

Thank you for your generous words about THE POWER OF MYTH and for your book. I look forward to reading it.

My best to you,

Bill Moyers


There are many other articles written about Bill Moyers that reflect the generous and powerful impact he made during his lifetime, but what I found profound was the moment he gave to me. It was both generous and powerful.

Most folks of his stature, and those with far less stature (and we all know who they are), would have dismissed my original email. But in less than two weeks, Bill Moyers not only accepted a copy of my bookthanked me personally, and, according to his assistant, “took the book home”. There’s so much packed into these moments.

He validated my place as a writer.

I meant it when I shared with him: “I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology…”.

Those “questions” that brought “great clarity” made all the difference for me

My Take on The Power of Myth

The Power of Myth explores how universal themes and symbols in myths provide insight into our humanity. This includes our relationships with others, the powers of the universe, and ourselves.

The “Hero’s Journey” is analyzed and clearly demonstrates that following one’s bliss has been essential to humanity since our earliest thoughts and will remain so as long as we exist. In other words, myths are just as important today as they were long ago.

As the Hero’s Journey is central to my work, I have read this book and a dozen others about Joseph Campbell’s work many times. I recommend this one in particular because of Bill Moyers’ contributions.


Mr. Moyers made numerous contributions during his lifetime in many areas and we are better off because of him. What a wonderful man.


About E.G. Kardos

I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.


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