Meaning: The quote "Love is a friendship set to music" by Joseph Campbell encapsulates the idea that love and friendship are intertwined, and when combined, they create a harmonious and beautiful relationship. Joseph Campbell, an American professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College, was a renowned scholar in the fields of mythology and comparative religion. His work often delved into the universal themes and motifs found in various cultures' mythologies and stories, and he was known for his insights into the human experience, including love and relationships.

At its core, the quote suggests that love and friendship share common traits and qualities. Friendship is characterized by mutual affection, trust, and understanding, while love often involves a deeper emotional connection and intimacy. When these elements are combined, they create a profound and enriching experience, much like the way music can enhance and elevate the emotions associated with a particular moment or experience.

In the context of this quote, "music" serves as a metaphor for the emotional resonance and depth that love brings to a friendship. In the same way that music can evoke a wide range of emotions and moods, love has the power to enrich and elevate the connection between friends, adding a deeper, more profound dimension to the relationship. This perspective highlights the idea that love is not solely reserved for romantic relationships but can also be present in the bonds of close friendship.

Furthermore, the quote implies that love and friendship complement each other, much like how music can complement and enhance a particular setting or moment. Just as a beautiful melody can elevate the atmosphere of a gathering or event, love can enhance and enrich the experiences shared between friends, deepening their connection and creating lasting memories.

Joseph Campbell's quote also suggests that love and friendship, when combined, create something greater than the sum of their parts. It emphasizes the idea that the bond between friends can be elevated to a higher level of emotional depth and significance when infused with the qualities of love. This concept challenges the traditional boundaries and definitions of love, expanding its scope to include the profound connections found in platonic relationships.

In conclusion, Joseph Campbell's quote "Love is a friendship set to music" encapsulates the idea that love and friendship are intertwined, and when combined, they create a harmonious and beautiful relationship. By using the metaphor of music, Campbell illustrates the emotional resonance and depth that love brings to a friendship, highlighting the complementary and enriching nature of these two interconnected aspects of human connection. This quote invites us to consider the multifaceted expressions of love and the ways in which it can enhance and elevate the bonds we share with our friends.