Jung: The Key Ideas: From analytical psychology and dreams to the collective unconscious and more

by Ruth Snowden

CARL JUNG MADE EASYJung - the Key Ideas is designed to quickly familiarize you with the revolutionary thinking of Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology. Explaining Jung's complex ideas in simple terms, and backing it up with references to his own texts, you will learn all the essential concepts, from the collective unconscious to archetypes in dreams. You will learn about Jung's upbringing and the development of his thinking. Discover his early work and influences and how they came to shape his ideological and spiritual development. The intricacies of Jung's complex systems of thought are discussed in a straightforward and jargon-free way with particular focus on his lifelong fascination with the spiritual, the numinous, the inner world and the self-realization of the unconscious. Jung's exploration of mythology, dreams, visions and fantasies, as well as his studies into the journey of the psyche, are all explained, making often complex theories easy to get to grips with and the book also looks at his legacy and how his work and ideas have shaped psychology with many therapists still trained in the Jungian method.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Counselling, Philosophy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2017

Reviews

[Julie Mickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an introduction, but it achieves its purpose with surprisingly good writing and (at least from what I could tell) no dumbing-down. The telling of Jung's early life and career are particularly charming. I had thought Jung had a woo-woo reputation due to his popularity in the 1970s ... but he actually WAS interested in the occult, surprisingly enough. One thing I didn't know was that Jung named the concepts of introversion and extroversion, and that the Meyers Briggs test borrows heavily from his theories.

[David Corvine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jung's theories on the collective unconscious and the importance of dreams are interesting. He was instrumental in popularizing interest in Eastern philosophies and beliefs in the West. All good. However when it comes to gender roles and sexual orientation he is decidedly dated and displays the bigotry of his times. This is a book is an easily read introduction.

[Matej · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book nicely follows Jung's path of ideas during his life... at first objective and formal, later becoming rather subjective and magic. Although I had a bit problems with the second part, I guess that's just how Jung was in the second half of his life...

[John Parle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book curious in particular about the concept of the collective unconscious, and I'm finishing it now with a lot of new curiosity about archetypes, dream analysis, active imagination and creative play. I thought some concepts could have been clarified just a little bit more; did Jung see the collective unconscious as genetic memory or as something more spiritual / supernatural? When he had conversations with archetypal characters, was this him practicing active imagination, or dreaming, or did he actually claim to have supernatural visions? The author is also clearly a fan, and only offers some very light critique of the man and his theories. Overall though a fun and easy read and a good introduction to a fascinating and very important thinker, his life and key ideas.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

? I genuinely don’t know how to rate this book. Ruth Snowden does a solid job breaking down Jung’s key ideas, but the man himself is baffling. At times I found his theories absurd, yet undeniably groundbreaking. His analytical mind drew me in, but the heavy emphasis on spirituality and mysticism left me cold. That said, the concept of 8 psychological types is incredibly intriguing. This was a complex, tedious, but ultimately fascinating read about one of the most discombobulating thinkers I’ve ever encountered. Now, as im sitting on the floor of my small room body pressed against the door in a budha style position i still seem so flabbergasted by his work. The craziest thing is it was only an introduction to his work. If this is the beginning of something so profound im not so sure i have the courage to continue exploring such a complex mind. The rating i’ve given it does not suit its worth. It’s a maze of a book for me personally but worth one’s time. If anything i’ve discovered im not into psychoanalysis. That stuff is out of my reach of interest

[Lívia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This introduction to Carl Jung was quite nice. I liked that it was written in a textbook kind of manner, with extracted key points and highlighted definitions.

However, I am giving it 3 stars because I felt like some input from the author herself was unnecessary, and it seemed like she tried to defend Jung when talking about his criticism. Yes, it is an introductory book about him, but in my opinion, it should be non-biased.

Also at the beginning, I had a really hard time finding motivation to read this book, but I will arbitrarily leave it to the fact, that I couldn't relate to the mystical findings and explanations, as I do not incline to this way of world perception! But I must say, that upon finishing this book, I found it enriching to see how one can analyse various aspects of their lives and liked his individualized and personal approach to psychotherapy practices.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. A very clear book. Jung's ideas are set out in simple language. I learnt a great deal and now think I can tackle Jung's own writings with confidence.

Looking to understand Jung? Start here.

It is easy to read and a pleasure to read. I found it engaging and enlightening.

It is how introductory volumes should be written in clear concise language that allow the reader to easily grasp the basics of a subject with the technical terms in a glossary for reference. Ms Snowden is to be commended for this book.

[Mike Kanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember what drew me to investigate Jung's theories. However, I was glad that I selected this book as a way of introduction.

Snowden does an excellent job discussing Jung's concepts and how they were derived. She simplifies the complex, yet gives the reader direction to explore more ideas if that is their wish. His differences with Freud and how others have advanced his ideas are addressed, along with criticism.

It was an easy read of a complex set of ideas.

[Pang Khong Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read on Carl Jung about his life and his ideas. The writting is straightforward and the highlighting of key ideas and key words have made the whole content easy to grasp. You will love and appreaciate Jung after reading it.

[Chris Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had little to no experience of the works of Jung, or psychology, this was exactly what I was looking for in a general overview of his works. Snowmen has clearly done her research, it's well writren, summarised and easy to read. Looking forward to developing further insight on his works!

[L.C. Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have had in my hands when studying psychology and shadow work. Though everything Jung explained about shadow work can also be found in old writings about alchemy, witchcraft and shamanism.

[Kellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It won't win any writing awards, but it adequately explains Jung's key ideas and the essential stories from his career.

Happy to say I no longer have to feign interest when people tell me about a dream they had... I'll be keenly aware of any symbolism they bring up.

[Aquarius_Archives · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for those who wish to understand psychological theories and other works done by Jung. It also includes explanation on how it relates to his life growing up. This book is straight to the point, informative to the letter and it has helped me a lot in my senior high years.

[Ilia Nachkebia · Rating 5 out of 5]

შესანიშნავი წიგნია მათთვის, ვისაც იუნგის იდეების გაცნობა სურს; ძალიან კომპაქტურად, მარტივი სახითაა წარმოდგენილი ყველაფერი; ვფიქრობდი, შინაარსობრივი თვალსაზრისით გამენალიზებინა, მაგრამ, მგონი სჯობს, იუნგი მაშინ გავაანალიზო, როცა იუნგს წავიკითხავ!

[Tara Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read,clear,interesting and ideal for someone who just rediscovered the crazy world of psychology

[Madara Nīgale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good way to get acquainted with the ideas of Jung's psychology.

[Kyle Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good into to the life and works of Carl Jung - would recommend!

[Ijon Tichy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth shows an in depth understanding of Jung's key ideas, and provides clear&concise explanations. Great entry to the world of Jung.

[David O Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great starting point to learn more about the life and works of Carl Jung. This book explains his ideas in simple terms and was an enjoyable read.

[Mansour Mangambit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a way that I can understand the man himself. Truly epic.

[Michelle Corder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, straightforward and well written. A lovely introduction into Jung. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Josh Clement]

Examine yourself, specifically your unconscious mind, for the goal of leading a more balanced, harmonious life. Try not to go mad in the process. Jung succeeded in both..

[Karen Broughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jung's concepts can be a little abstract, I found this book helped to make an indepth theory accessible.

[Elika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, clear and concise history of Jung’s ideas and his contribution to modern day psychology as well as other disciplines. Highly recommended as an introduction to Jungian thought.

[Khaled · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, good introduction to Yung Carl. Easy to comprehend.