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Jungian Spirituality
Carl Jung is one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and his ideas have become vital to our understanding of the psyche.
157 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 27, 2017
I've read a fair amount of Jung and books about Jungian thought. This was a wonderful read. It is approachable and easily digested. The author doesn't waste words. It is succinct.
The 2 pages on Job alone are worth reading this book.
The 2 pages on Job alone are worth reading this book.
May 28, 2019
I'm sort of surprised that I never looked into Jung more seriously. It's strange, even.
Things that make you go "Hm."
I won't lie. I had no idea what this book would really be about. I saw it sitting on a shelf in a used bookstore and that psychedelic cover attracted it me. The fact that is was written by a woman was interesting, too.
Anyway, 157 pages later, I can't say I'm not impressed with Jung's life and work, regardless of his personality or failings.
Let me throw some concepts or words out:
Ego, Anima, Animus, Archetype, Psyche, Extrovert, Introvert, Persona, Self, Shadow, Individuation, Feeling, Knowing, Judging, Sensing (Miggs Bryer Test)
Look familiar?
Jung.
Yes, these were concepts and ideas of their time (late 19th century, start of 20th), and of course Freud came first, but Jung was really the guy to articulate and develop most of these ideas or words we take for granted now. He was once the "student" of Freud but after many years, broke off from him and there was a huge rift between the two men for the remainder of their lives. Jung wasn't really cool with the idea that everything revolved around sexuality, repressed or not.
That was a relief to read.
So while Freud was more interested in discovering what lurked in people's subconscious, Jung went on another quest. A quest that lasted his whole life and that took him all over the world, especially the Eastern. What was he looking for?
The collective unconscious.
Not bad for a destination.
Throughout his journey, Jung, by familiarizing himself with all of humanity's various myths and symbols, read up on all main religions or spiritual practices, even the more occult or obscure ones. He studied astrology, Gnosticism, alchemy, Taoism, synchronicity, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Trinity, Judaeo-Christian tradition, Catholicism, Islam, ...
He was fascinated by all and toyed with the idea of maybe becoming a Buddhist... but never converted to any of these religions or temples.
What he was truly searching for, was the link between all of these different Gods and thought structures and beliefs. Something to prove that behind all of these varying symbols and tales, there was indeed God. But "God" would be the sum of the four parts that made up Jung's Quatrinity, the late theory he was working on before he died at age 86.
This book is only an introduction. I mean, there are around 18 volumes or so of Jung's work and his legacy is bountiful. Too much for this reader to dive into. However, I will read Man and his Symbols and see what I think.
Because in many ways, that was also Jung's quest. To have people think for themselves and search for themselves what was their "perfect" Self. He believed that the micro could change the macro and I think he would be fascinated by the internet today and really use it to understand our psyche and the collective mind he was so interested in.
After all, the internet is a manifestation of our Shadow Selves.... in many ways.
Looks like I've discovered something else to add to my long list of learning!
Things that make you go "Hm."
I won't lie. I had no idea what this book would really be about. I saw it sitting on a shelf in a used bookstore and that psychedelic cover attracted it me. The fact that is was written by a woman was interesting, too.
Anyway, 157 pages later, I can't say I'm not impressed with Jung's life and work, regardless of his personality or failings.
Let me throw some concepts or words out:
Ego, Anima, Animus, Archetype, Psyche, Extrovert, Introvert, Persona, Self, Shadow, Individuation, Feeling, Knowing, Judging, Sensing (Miggs Bryer Test)
Look familiar?
Jung.
Yes, these were concepts and ideas of their time (late 19th century, start of 20th), and of course Freud came first, but Jung was really the guy to articulate and develop most of these ideas or words we take for granted now. He was once the "student" of Freud but after many years, broke off from him and there was a huge rift between the two men for the remainder of their lives. Jung wasn't really cool with the idea that everything revolved around sexuality, repressed or not.
That was a relief to read.
So while Freud was more interested in discovering what lurked in people's subconscious, Jung went on another quest. A quest that lasted his whole life and that took him all over the world, especially the Eastern. What was he looking for?
The collective unconscious.
Not bad for a destination.
Throughout his journey, Jung, by familiarizing himself with all of humanity's various myths and symbols, read up on all main religions or spiritual practices, even the more occult or obscure ones. He studied astrology, Gnosticism, alchemy, Taoism, synchronicity, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Trinity, Judaeo-Christian tradition, Catholicism, Islam, ...
He was fascinated by all and toyed with the idea of maybe becoming a Buddhist... but never converted to any of these religions or temples.
What he was truly searching for, was the link between all of these different Gods and thought structures and beliefs. Something to prove that behind all of these varying symbols and tales, there was indeed God. But "God" would be the sum of the four parts that made up Jung's Quatrinity, the late theory he was working on before he died at age 86.
This book is only an introduction. I mean, there are around 18 volumes or so of Jung's work and his legacy is bountiful. Too much for this reader to dive into. However, I will read Man and his Symbols and see what I think.
Because in many ways, that was also Jung's quest. To have people think for themselves and search for themselves what was their "perfect" Self. He believed that the micro could change the macro and I think he would be fascinated by the internet today and really use it to understand our psyche and the collective mind he was so interested in.
After all, the internet is a manifestation of our Shadow Selves.... in many ways.
Looks like I've discovered something else to add to my long list of learning!
July 29, 2021
This book gives a brief overview of Jung’s biography and his main areas of expertise, such as alchemy, astrology, personality types, and more. I especially enjoyed the chapters about Jung’s insights on Christianity and eastern religions. This is written in a very accessible way.
July 22, 2013
Great overview - now want more Jung himself!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews