Enjoyed Jung’s unintentional blanketing of archetypal theology across all his past experiences. All too clear he had passed the point of no return. Psychoanalysis paralyses itself quite quickly when it achieves self consciousness - I think some Jungians interpret this paralysis as introspection. EoTD, this book is a man desperately clawing at his past before theory sneaks the rug under his feet.
I was intrigued to hear about his upbringing and how it led him to explore the contents of the unconscious. I appreciate the area of study because it just rings true that majority of our psychological substance lies below the surface… it feels worthwhile to explore how the unconscious manifests itself in dreams through symbols. After hearing about his patients, I do think that it’s important to explore aspects of yourself that have been repressed.
I enjoyed the discussion of Freud, saying that although he was innovative in formalizing the unconscious, he desperately clung to his sexual theories, disregarding all nuanced views as a threat to his own. Jung seems right to point out the irony in Freud being dogmatic about sexual repression theories, while simultaneously criticizing religion as a narrow minded pursuit.
I loved the excerpts on his travel to eastern civilization, observing that the emphasis on “rationality” in the western world is really a proxy for glorifying industry. Although these other societies seem “primitive” they pursue a different (natural and spiritual) form of knowledge that can be more valuable if you’re not thinking through a capitalist lens. It was valuable to hear his thoughts on technology speeding up life, which can feel like a plot to divorce you from your true state.