“The quest for fire occurred not because anyone knew what the practical uses for fire would be, but because it was fascinating”
— Joseph Campbell
Simplified Meaning:
People went looking for fire not because they knew exactly how it would help them, but because fire was interesting and amazing to them. Imagine a child seeing a new toy for the first time. They don't know all the things they can do with it, but it grabs their attention and they want to play with it because it looks fun and exciting. In the same way, early humans were drawn to fire because it was something new and captivating. As they explored fire, they discovered its many uses, like cooking food, staying warm, and keeping wild animals away. This shows how curiosity can lead to important discoveries and improvements in life. If you're curious about something, don't be afraid to explore it, even if you don't know how it might benefit you right away. Your interest could open up new opportunities and solutions you hadn't thought of before.