In Greek mythology, the world begins as chaos and order comes into the world through the rise and fall of various beings — first giants, then titans, then Olympians and finally humans, who find liberation through reason and science. In many ways, the modern trend of being liberal, secular, scientific and democratic owes its origin to this mythic thought, which rejects all notions of authority.

In biblical mythology, the world begins out of nothingness until God appears and he creates the perfect world with perfect rules until Eve and Adam break the rules and through that act of transgression create all the problems of life. Through prophets who communicate his laws, God tries to get his prodigal children back to his perfect paradise. In many ways, the modern trend to value institutions and the collective, over individuals, stems from this mythic thought.