Carl Jung: How to Believe

by Mark Vernon

Carl Jung was one of the 20th century’s most significant psychological theorists. He developed concepts we use everyday – introverts and extroverts chief among them. Mark Vernon’s eight-part ebook explores some of Jung’s key ideas and also looks at his relationship with the other giant of the mind – Sigmund Freud.The How to Believe series of ebooks explores the teachings, philosophies and beliefs of major thinkers and religious texts. In a short, easy-to-access format, leading writers present new understandings of these perennially important ideas.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Biography, Psychoanalysis, Religion

20 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2013

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lecture's worth. This was a fascinating introduction to the life and work of Carl Jung.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a religious-orientation towards life is to have an attitude of openness and acceptance to all that happens. The difference between symbols and signs is that: the former is an imminent experience that transforms the spirit/soul, whereas the latter simply points to facts. This is the reason for the paradoxical character of dogma, confusion between symbols and signs. Between experience and words. The more external a perception, the more irrational it becomes. Our fears indicate what we as individuals lack, mistrust, and therefore must overcome as a means to further individuation. Psychology’s role is a means to seeing life clearly.

[Achyuth Murlei · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the audio version of the 10-part series written by Mark Vernon for The Guardian.

A very quick and simple introduction to the life and work Carl Jung, prominent psychologist and psychoanalyst who has a small, but very devoted following. While not in vogue with the current paradigm of his discpline, there appears to be considerable influence his work as exerted in shaping modern pyschology.

If you have seen his name and work used in various exchanges and wish to follow it, this is a concise resource to gain background enough to follow a casual conversation about psycotherapy, pyschoanalysis and a tad bit philosophy - a launching pad to consume books that cover his life, thoughts and work in a far more detailed and uncondensed manner.

[Kylie Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to Jung

[Tariq Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the brilliant Carl Jung. The short book has a bit of his biography, his relationship with Freud, the current relevance of his ideas and his views on religion. I think the short book is just perfect to induce some thought memes and gets you do some serious thinking.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, short, easy to understand primer on Carl Jung, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Personally, I think it's important for everyone to at least familiarize themselves with Jung's work since it serves as the basis of many psychotherapeutic and philosophical approaches.

[Marek Zmyslowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything related for Jung is a 5/5 for me

[David Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Jungian primer.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to Jung.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight decent essays, offering a brief overview of Jung’s key positions.

[Demetria Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet summary of Carl Jung`s life and perception of reality.

[Mieraidihaimu Mieraisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking to Know what we think

Recently my partner insisted me to watch the documentary film "Stuz" (by Jonan Hill) about the Phil Stutz (the author of The Tools). During the documentory, Phil briefly mentioned about giving attention and acceptance to our imperfect shadow. Which leads me do various brief researches, and I found the most influential psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung.

Carl Gustav Jung, who is the founder of analytical psychology and collective unconscious archetype. Before I naively pick up his master pieces "The Red Book", I want to read this short book to give me an overview of the life and work of Jung, and essentially give a skeleton of his studies on the human psyche, his concept of the collective unconscious, and the role of symbolism and archetypes in human experience.

I think this book did the job well.

[Aaron L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jung believed we are psychosomatic creatures, who must attend to the spirit as well as the body.

Further, Jung believed our psyche is not just our own - it also belongs to others alive now, and those who came before us, we are connected through the collective consciousness

Life goes well when we are connected to this and there is flow, which brings a sense of purpose, conversely however, when there is a blockage illness, dis-ease, can manifest.

Jung believed a religious attitude towards life was necessary.

"He sacrificed himself to the will of God" - is a way to say one has surrendered into acceptance of what is - he has let go of resistance - he now flows with the current of the now, of GOD.

[Kassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Mark Vernon as an intelligent man who possesses a deep understanding of the nature of complicated subjects. So, when I found out he had written something on Jung, I was very excited to read it. This didn't disappoint. Even though it was really just a primer on Jung, it was still enjoyable. Short and easy to understand, it provides some interesting reflection on Jung. I also recommend his YouTube lecture on Jung as well to supplement this if the reader enjoys Vernon's voice in this book.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting overview of an interesting man. I'm not incredibly into archetypes, but I see how they have some explanatory power at least on a higher emergent property level. I'm curious to read up more on Jung, and perhaps even Jordan Peterson now, who I believe was deeply influenced by Jungian archetypes.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably short book on Jung's history and influences! It also includes a brief description of his schizoid tendencies! I enjoyed reading about the rumors about Jung and his feud with Freud because we don't typically discuss them in class. A supplemental read when studying theories of personality, specifically Jung's Individuation, archetypal psychology, etc.

[Diana-Michaela Shaffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but very interesting and helpful introduction to Carl Jung and his work. Included in this book are explanations to some of Jung's professional relationships which round out the whole picture of Jung and his career and theories.

[Vlora BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to absorb. The author beautifully presents Jung major thoughts and theories. I particularly liked his approach on the relationship between Jung and Freud - differences and common elements of their approaches.

[Ossian's Dream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent review of a great thinker but nothing really worth the money.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audible Audiobook

[Stuart]

Good short introduction to Carl Jung life and work. (Listened to the free Audible version included with the subscription.)

[Christian Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Podcast length overview of Jung, good quick listen

[AttackGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a very brief and surface introduction.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book but interesting I enjoyed the chapter on archetypes and similarities of people.

[Mordsith Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant man

[Narendrāditya Nalwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This essay provides a decent overview of the life and thoughts of Carl Gustav Jung.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and precious intro to Carl Jung.

[Duke DeLaet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know Jung was a spy :)

[Evelyn Amaral Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

No new informations if you already read’ memory dreams reflections’