Meaning: This quote by Claude Levi-Strauss, a prominent anthropologist and ethnologist, encapsulates his approach to the study of myths and their significance in human culture. Levi-Strauss is known for his structuralist approach to understanding the underlying principles that govern human thought and behavior, and this quote reflects his belief that myths play a pivotal role in shaping the human psyche at a subconscious level.

Levi-Strauss's work focuses on the structural analysis of myths and their function in human societies. He argues that myths are not merely fanciful stories or products of primitive imagination, but rather they are symbolic systems that reflect deep-seated cognitive processes and universal patterns of human thought. In this sense, myths are not just narratives, but they also operate as fundamental structures that shape the way individuals perceive and make sense of the world around them.

The quote suggests that Levi-Strauss is interested in uncovering the embedded nature of myths within the human mind. He contends that myths are not isolated from human cognition, but rather they are intricately interwoven with the way individuals think and perceive reality. Levi-Strauss's approach challenges the conventional understanding of myths as mere cultural artifacts or imaginative tales, and instead, he asserts that myths exert a profound influence on human consciousness and behavior without individuals being consciously aware of it.

By claiming to show "how myths operate in men's minds without their being aware of the fact," Levi-Strauss underscores the subtle and pervasive impact of myths on human thought processes. He suggests that myths function as a framework through which individuals interpret their experiences and construct their understanding of the world. This implies that myths are not merely passive elements of culture, but rather active agents that shape and inform human cognition in profound ways.

Levi-Strauss's perspective on myths aligns with his broader structuralist approach, which seeks to uncover the underlying structures and patterns that govern human behavior and cultural phenomena. He contends that myths are not arbitrary or random, but rather they exhibit a deep-seated logic and coherence that reflects fundamental aspects of human cognition and society. In this sense, myths are not just colorful narratives, but they are intricate systems of symbols and meanings that play a crucial role in shaping human consciousness and social organization.

In conclusion, Claude Levi-Strauss's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into his approach to the study of myths and their significance in human culture. He argues that myths are not mere products of imagination or folklore, but rather they operate as fundamental structures that shape the way individuals think and perceive the world. Levi-Strauss's emphasis on the embedded nature of myths within the human mind underscores the profound and pervasive influence of myths on human consciousness and behavior. His perspective challenges the conventional understanding of myths and invites a deeper appreciation of their role as active agents in shaping human cognition and culture.