Digesting Jung: Food for the Journey

Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts #95

by Daryl Sharp

This book evolved out of the author's desire to pin-point key passages in Jung's writings that have nourished him for many years. It provides readers new to analytical psychology with the main ingredients of Jung's work and how they might flavor a life in search of meaning.. Those already familiar with Jung's ideas will savor again the continuing relevance of his holistic approach to psychological issues.

Each chapter is headed by an appetizer, which is then fleshed out by the author's commentary -- an elucidation or experiential interpretation, sometimes both -- meant to stimulate the reader to ruminate on the unconscious factors that influence us all. Those seeking a more robust meal will be amply rewarded by following up the references.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Daryl Leonard Merle Sharp is a Jungian analyst and publisher. He lives in Toronto, Canada and has two sons and two daughters.

He earned two Bachelor degrees, one in mathematics and physics and the other in journalism, at Carleton University in Canada, and a Masters degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Sussex in England. Sharp entered training at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zürich in 1974, along with other members of the so-called "Canadian mafia," which included Fraser Boa, Marion Woodman and John Dourley.

Upon graduating in 1978, Sharp returned to Canada to begin an analytic practice and tour North America on the Jungian lecture circuit. Together with Marion Woodman and Fraser Boa, Sharp co-founded the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts in Toronto in 1982 (followed by a training program for analysts in 2000).

In 1980, Sharp also began his major labour of love: Inner City Books, still the world's only publishing house dealing exclusively with the work of Jungian analysts. Sharp's first publication was his diploma thesis, The Secret Raven: Conflict and Transformation in the Life of Franz Kafka. Many others followed, including multiple publications by analysts such as Marion Woodman, Edward F. Edinger, James Hollis and J. Gary Sparks, and especially Marie-Louise von Franz, who graciously agreed to act as honorary patron of Inner City Books.

Sharp himself is the author of more than 30 titles, mainly designed to introduce and explain Jungian concepts to lay audiences. Personality Types and Digesting Jung are available as free eBooks on Inner City Books' website.}

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Daryl Sharp. He has the ability to take the somewhat confusing topic of Jung's depth psychology and explain it in a easy, relate-able, inspiring manner.

A great short refresher on the topic.

[Murat Cengiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I wish I came across this this some 10, 15 years ago. A very smooth entry to Jung's works and a most useful self guide.

[Aditya Dwivedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daryl is an ISTJ, my Superego, as per. Beebian model of Type.

I adore ISTJs, as they are actually "nice" people, but their parent Te and child Fi, often gets projected and overshadowed by my id Fi and blindSpot Te. vice Versa for my aux and child Fe-Ti is also the case.

So, at some places, it was as if he was my repressed voice.

but at some points, it was as if you just realised the novelist and his novel you are a character by now, represents opposite of the very value you stand for.

I also did not agree at many places, places where his attitude was, "Life must go on"...

I actually read his words on Puer/ Puella, couple of times, in a website called Frith Luton, it almost always made me very uncomfortable. though, i identify with Senex, or rather desire so, I can't help but see most of a Puer within,

I'm also not very sure, on growing out of eternal child, it seemed, as if I was asked to kill it by Daryl, or maybe it's my complex speaking,either ways I'm too scared to turn pages, so correct me if I'm wrong, until I revisit them, willingly to figure out what Jung, and Sharp, actually dictated, and if it coincide with current findings of Psychology and Neuroscience.

But, after initial development / puer suppression/ murder of initial child, forcefully, by confirming to object,

a later series of Neuroses are guaranteed,

and thus, he did instruct us, to develop a Transcendental function, by holding the tension, of it, with Senex.

which I think I have been doing as long as I'm conscious, which also contributes to my paradoxical nature,

but I'm not, sure.

apart from it, Sharp is awesome. I love his way of writing, loves how he hides poetry within verses, but I can't help but be made uncomfortable, by his personal preferences of "life must go on", and a very "realist"/ "practical" approach,

as in the first few chapters, he direct us to ask a few questions, like is it legal, how will it affect others.

what Sharp fails to recognise, is, submitting to laws(human made), that aren't absolutely thought of, researched and true, doesn't always fit with what the Psyche is. and this very approach is responsible for the series of Neuroses.

I also don't like the idea of Emotional Distancing and Self containment, but I can't disagree that it will guarantee your happiness, although it may kill your partner, if they want you to tell them how you feel, and Sharp particularly seems to hate that confrontation, labelling it as useless, with his Fe Superego, as I am loathing his Te-Fi approach rn,

We can take this very conflict between me and him.

it wouldn't help Mr. Sharp, to contain your psyche. You've to confront, and let other mold you, as Fe allows, but I do need that Fi assessment of yours, and tuning within, affectively,

Keeping these remarks in mind, I will recommend this book to any and all beginners, and those who have spent some time in words of symbols, Archetypes, and personality.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very readable and useful introduction to Jung’s main ideas. I really like the structure of each short chapter beginning with an ‘appetizer’ (a quote from Jung) and then the meal being a short essay by Sharp where he further explains Jung’s idea and then makes connections to individual psychology.

What I didn’t like is that Sharp has lifted entire sections from The Survival Papers published a couple of decades earlier and plunked them in this book. Because I’d just finished reading The Survival Papers this was very obvious, and a bit irritating because he makes no reference to having used the material in earlier publications.

However, if you are new to Jung’s concepts and want a good introduction, this one is worth the read.

[Jana Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great accessible introduction that takes a practical approach to the Jungian Psychoanalysis, making it a useful guide for everyone to explore the true Self and one's unconsciousness. Sharp provides clear insights into Jungian's theories with quotes from Jung's works as well as other relevant references and relatable examples. The concise chapters make it an easy read that provides valuable insights not exclusively for Psychoanalysts but also for anyone who has a casual interest in this field.

[Sarre03w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good entry level book on Jung's theory.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended and just short, but meaty enough to flesh out the doctor's thoughts. Why not throw in a good head scratcher for my reading viewers?
Merry Christmas!
Good, straight to the point overview of Jung and his ideas. Helpful.

[Matt Kaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little primer on analytical psychology.