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What I’ve been reading:
The Symbolic Life: Miscellaneous Writings by Carl Jung (Volume 18 of Jung’s collected works)
As the title implies, this is a collection of miscellaneous, primarily short writings by Jung. Short essays, articles, letters, academic speeches, etc.
This is not a book for people who have never read Jung and would like to better understand his psychology and philosophy.
If you want to know what books I would use to start my study of Jung from scratch, check out my free reading list.
A couple of notable quotes from “The Symbolic Life”
On the positive potential of neurosis:
"I am not altogether pessimistic about neurosis. In many cases we have to say: 'Thank heaven he could make up his mind to be neurotic! Neurosis is really an attempt at self-cure... It is an attempt of the self-regulating psychic system to restore the balance, in no way different from the function of dreams— only rather more forceful and drastic."
On politics as symptoms of social evils:
“I am convinced that 99 per cent of politics are mere symptoms and anything but a cure for social evils.”
On the modern individual’s disconnect with nature (internal and external):
“Civilized man ... is in danger of losing all contact with the world of instinct- a danger that is still further increased by his living an urban existence in what seems to be a purely man-made environment. This loss of instinct is largely responsible for the pathological condition of contemporary culture.”
What I’ve been listening to:
Steven Heyes on The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman
Steven Heyes is the founder of “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” (ACT). My interest in Heyes and his work comes from the fact that ACT, like one of my main influences, Morita therapy, doesn’t aim to eliminate negative feelings at all costs. Instead, it seeks to give the individual the tools to engage in life more fully despite the negative feelings or intrusive thoughts.
What I’ve been thinking about:
“All great spirituality is about what we do with our pain. If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it to those around us.” - Richard Rohr
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
Free Resources:
Clarity Quest - self-exploration course
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
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Certain areas of Jung, I reread. Currently commentary on the anima and animus and how the archtypes underly consciousness of men and women- and marriages.
I noticed in your book list you don’t have the amazing book, The Wisdom of Dreams: Science, Synchroncity and the language of the Soul. By Greg Mahr and Chris L.Drake, this book is beautifully illustrated and profoundly looks at symbolism through cultures. Routledge publishef.
I appreciate your work. Sorry I am on a fixed income so paid subscriptions are not possible.