c. G. Jungquotes

1875 - 1961

Photograph of C. G. JungThe Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist, Carl Jung, developed and furthered some of the most important thoughts and theories of the 20th century. His influence spread not only throughout the psychological world, but also throughout art, religion and literature. Known for developing analytical psychology, and his work expounding on the extravert and introvert personality types, Jung’s theories about the unconscious mind also carry lasting influence and intrigue.

Jung was expected to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a clergyman, but his interest in philosophy led him down a different route. Eventually, he found his way to medicine and earned his M.D from the University of Zurich.

A short partnership and friendship with Sigmund Freud helped the young Jung develop his theories, but eventually the two parted ways forever. Jung outspokenly disagreed with Freud’s view of a sexual basis for neurosis (The Psychology of the Unconscious).

As Jung continued to study his own unconscious mind, he developed the idea that all of humanity shares a collective unconscious, and this can be seen in patterns and symbols that have arisen throughout history (Psychology & Alchemy).

By unfolding one’s own myth through dreams and imagination, Jung believed that people could become whole or complete personalities (Modern Man in Search of a Soul). Ever fascinated with the growth of personality and one’s own inner development, he named the process of this self-discovery “individuation” (The Undiscovered Self). It is a lifelong task of trial and error, but to paraphrase Jung, eventually we all “become what we are.”

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