Carl Gustav Jung

Carl Gustav Jung:

(Kesswil, 26 July 1875 – Küsnacht, 6 June 1961).
Swiss psychiatrist and psychologist.
He was the founder of analytical psychology.

Carl Jung. Photo: wikipedia.org

It is quite within the bounds of possibility for a man to recognize evil of his nature, but it is a rare and shattering experience for him to gaze into the face of absolute evil.

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Everyone can afford to give away a smile.

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Where your fear is, there your task is.

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Without this playing with fantasy, no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.

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Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.

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You can only heal the wounds of others if you have them yourself.

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To confront a person with his shadow is to show him his own light.

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One is not enlightened by imagining all sorts of images of light, but by becoming aware of one’s own inner darkness.

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There is no change from darkness to light, from stillness to motion, without emotion.

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If we want to change something in the child, we must first examine it and see if it is not something better to change in ourselves.

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We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more.

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There is no coming consciousness without pain.

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One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

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The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.

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the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.

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Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also.

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A man who has not passed through the inferno of his passions has never overcome them.

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Where love rules, there is no will to power; and where power predominates, there love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other.

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The healthy man does not torture others – generally it is the tortured who turn into torturers.

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We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

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Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness.

Photo; Hasseeb Jamil.  Meaning 📖: The quote “Even the happiest life is unthinkable without a certain amount of darkness” emphasizes that complete happiness is impossible without shadows. Life inevitably contains suffering, adversity, or “darkness” (such as pain, sadness, or chaos), which are essential for balance, growth, and appreciating light/positive aspects. Without contrast, there is no depth—a philosophical idea about the duality of existence.
✍️ Origin and author: Author: Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961), the Swiss psychologist and founder of analytical psychology. This comes from his work Herinnerings, dromen, bedenkingen (originally Erinnerungen, Träume, Gedanken, 1961, published posthumously). Exact context: The sentence appears in a reflection on life and the shadow in the psyche. Jung wrote: “Even the happiest life is unthinkable without a measure of darkness…”. It illustrates his concept of the shadow—the repressed, dark part of the personality that must be integrated for wholeness (individuation). Evidence and sources: Direct quotation from Jung’s autobiographical work (English ed.: Vintage Books, 1989, p. 72). Often cited in Jungian literature, e.g., Man and His Symbols (1964) and secondary sources such as The Portable Jung (1971). Confirmed online via reliable archives: Jung’s Collected Works (Vol. 18) and citation sites such as Wikiquote (with primary references). 🔍 Additional insights: Philosophical link: Fits with Jung’s archetypes and the idea that light and darkness (anima/animus, persona/shadow) are inextricably linked—inspired by alchemy, mythology, and Eastern wisdom (e.g., yin-yang). Modern relevance: Often cited in therapy, self-help, and mental health literature to advocate for acceptance of imperfection. Variants: In English: “Even the merriest life needs a certain measure of darkness.” Not an old saying, pure Jung.

Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people.

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Children are brought up by what the adult is, not by what he says.

Photo: Juliane Liebermann. 📌 Meaning: Children learn primarily by example, not by words alone. Authenticity and consistency of adults are crucial for upbringing. Implicit learning (imitation, atmosphere, attitude) often outweighs explicit instruction. 🧩 Origin and author: Attribution: usually attributed to Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961). Likely original language: German. Often cited German form: “Kinder werden durch das erzogen, was der Erwachsene ist, nicht durch das, was er sagt.” Variants circulate such as: “Kinder werden durch das erzogen, was der Erwachsene ist, nicht durch sein Gerede.” Primary source status: Unclear. The quotation circulates widely in secondary sources and quotation collections, but a clear citation in Jung’s Gecollectte Werke is rarely convincingly given. Conclusion: The attribution to Jung is widespread and plausible, but a hard, verifiable primary source is not consistently cited. 🔎 Context and related ideas: Theme aligns with Jung’s emphasis on integration and authenticity: who you are (persona vs. self) has an effect on others, especially children. Related statement: Ralph Waldo Emerson is often quoted (though not always with a primary source) as saying, “What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” The idea is related in content: power of example > words. 🌍 Language variants:  German (common paraphrase): “Kinder werden durch das erzogen, was der Erwachsene ist, nicht durch das, was er sagt.” English (common translation): “Children are educated by what the grown-up is, not by what he says.” Summary: Meaning: Parenting is primarily a function of who you are and what you do. Author: Probably Carl Gustav Jung, but no conclusive primary source references. Usage: Useful as a guiding principle in parenting, education, and leadership.

Dreams are part of nature, which harbors no intention to deceive.

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The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.

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Where there is power there is no love, where there is love there is no power.

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Your visions will only become clear when you look into your own heart. Those who look outside dream: those who look inside awaken.

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Do not fear chaos, for in chaos the new is born.

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The word happiness would lose its meaning if it did not have its counterpart in sadness.

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That’s why people love plays, movies, or preachers that move them to tears because they enjoy their own emotion.

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Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.

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All culture is an expansion of our consciousness.

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We don’t have secrets, the real secrets have us.

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There are many more people who are afraid of the unconscious than one would expect.

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Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.

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Sensation establishes what is actually given, thinking enables us to recognize its meaning, feeling tells us its value, and finally intuition points to the possibilities of the whence and whither that lie within the immediate facts.

Photo: Marin Tulard. Meaning: Sensation: Refers to the direct experience and perception of reality. It emphasizes what is actually there, without interpretation. Thinking: This process helps us understand the meaning of the present moment. It allows us to assess the value of experiences. Feeling: This aspect refers to the emotional evaluation of experiences. It helps us understand the value of situations and experiences. Intuition: This is the ability to see possibilities and directions without explicit reasoning. It offers insights into what might happen in the future. Summary:This saying emphasizes the interaction between perception, thought, emotion, and intuition in our understanding of reality and the meaning of the present moment. Origin: The exact origin of this saying is unclear, but the concepts discussed in it are strongly linked to the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung. Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who developed analytical psychology. He introduced important concepts such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the various psychological functions (such as thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition). Author:  Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961): An influential figure in psychology. Known for his profound insights into the human psyche and his emphasis on the role of the unconscious. While the quote may not have been taken directly from Jung, the ideas and themes it explores are strongly influenced by his work and his views on human experience and psychological functions.

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to understanding of ourselves.

Photo: Anthony Tran. Meaning: Core Idea: The saying suggests that the irritations we experience with others are often a reflection of our own inner conflicts or qualities. Self-Reflection: It emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and self-reflection. By looking at what irritates us, we can gain insight into our own personality and behavior.
Psychological Aspect: This idea is related to the psychological concepts of projection, in which people project their own undesirable qualities onto others. Origin: Psychology: The saying is inspired by psychological theories that explore the relationship between self-image and the perception of others. Carl Gustav Jung: The author, Carl Gustav Jung, was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who developed analytical psychology. He emphasized the importance of the unconscious and the shadow (the undesirable parts of the personality). Author: Carl Gustav Jung. Life: Born on July 26, 1875, in Switzerland and died on June 6, 1961. Contributions: Development of concepts such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the shadow. Importance of dreams and symbols in psychological development. Influence: Jung’s work has had a profound impact on psychology, art, religion, and philosophy. Summary: This saying reminds us that our irritations often say more about ourselves than about others. It encourages self-reflection and growth in self-knowledge. 🌱=

Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism.

Photo: Kulli Kittus. Meaning: Essence of Addiction: This quote emphasizes that all forms of addiction are harmful, regardless of the substance or ideology. This includes both physically addictive substances (such as alcohol and morphine) and mental or emotional addictions (such as idealism). Warning: It is a warning that addiction is not limited to substances but can also arise from ideas and beliefs that can influence our behavior and thought processes. Origin: This quote is often attributed to Carl Gustav Jung, an influential Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Context: Jung was interested in the human psyche and the impact of addiction on the individual and society. He addressed the psychological aspects of addiction, making this quote relevant to his work. Author: Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). Contributions: Jung is known for his theories on the unconscious, archetypes, and the collective psyche. Impact: His work has had a lasting influence on psychology, and he was one of the founders of analytical psychology. Conclusion: General Lesson: The saying reminds us that it’s important to be aware of what can bind us, both in terms of physical resources and in our beliefs and ideals. Reflection: It calls us to self-reflection and a critical look at what we consider “normal” in our lifestyle and beliefs.

A particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror. As a rule, a beautiful woman is a terrible disappointment.

Photo: Pouriya Kafaei. Meaning: The statement suggests that a woman’s beauty can lead to both admiration and disappointment. The idea of ​​”terror” can refer to the fear or challenges that arise from interacting with an attractive woman. The phrase implies that external beauty often does not match inner qualities or character, which can lead to disappointment in relationships. Origin: This statement is often attributed to the German psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, although it is not always clear whether he used these exact words. Jung was concerned with the human psyche, archetypes, and the dynamics between men and women, which could explain the context of this statement. Author: Carl Jung (1875-1961). An influential figure in psychology and the founder of analytical psychology.
Known for his theories on the unconscious, archetypes, and the development of the self. Conclusion: The statement reflects a critical perspective on the relationship between beauty and disappointment in human interactions, and it is possible that it was inspired by Jung’s insights into human nature.

Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.

Photo: Valentin Salja. Meaning: Thinking is hard: This part of the saying indicates that the process of deep thought and reflection is often difficult and challenging. It requires effort and can sometimes be uncomfortable. Why do most people judge?: Many people choose to make quick judgments or jump to conclusions without taking the time to think things through. This can lead to superficial or unwarranted judgments. Origin: Author: This quote is often attributed to psychologist Carl Jung, but there is no definitive proof that he actually used these words. Context: The saying reflects an insight into human behavior and psychology, which aligns with Jung’s work on the depths of the human psyche and the need for self-reflection. Relevance: Psychology: The saying emphasizes the need for critical thinking and the importance of reflection in understanding ourselves and others. Society: In a time when snap judgments are common, it is a call to think more deeply before drawing conclusions. Conclusion: This saying invites self-reflection and encourages people to take time to think before judging. It reminds us that thinking is a valuable but sometimes difficult task.

In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.

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You are what you do, not what you say you will do.

Photo: Reprodução. Meaning: Essence: The statement emphasizes the importance of actions over words. Interpretation: Actions speak louder than words: What you actually do defines who you are and what you value. Responsibility: It encourages taking responsibility for your actions rather than simply making plans. Origin: Provenance: The exact origin of this statement is not entirely clear, but the idea that actions are more important than words is a common theme in philosophy and literature. Similar Ideas: This line of thought appears in various cultures and traditions, including the philosophy of Aristotle and the teachings of various religions. Author: Attribution to Jung: Although Carl Jung, the renowned psychiatrist, contributed significantly to psychology, this specific statement is not directly attributed to him. However, Jung did emphasize the importance of the unconscious and an individual’s actions in understanding the psyche. Conclusion: The statement reminds us that our actions reflect our character and values, and that it is important to be consistent in what we say and do. 💪✨

The world will ask you who you are, and if you don’t know, the world will tell you.

Drawing by unknown. Meaning: This is introspective and cautionary:
If you do not know who you are, you allow others — society, culture, family, or the media — to determine who you “should be”. Self-knowledge is therefore essential to living authentically, rather than being lived by external influences.
Origin: The saying has been circulating since the second half of the 20th century in spiritual and psychological contexts and is mainly linked to Jung through popular collections of quotations.

Joy at the smallest things comes to you only when you have accepted death. But if you look out greedily for all that you could still live, then nothing is great enough for your pleasure, and the smallest things that continue to surround you are no longer a joy. Therefore I behold death, since it teaches me how to live…

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What did you do as a child that made the hours past like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.

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The greatest burden that a child has to bear is the unlived life of the parents.

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As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.

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Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.

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I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.

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What we resist, persists.

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You meet your destiny on the road you take to avoid it.

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He who perceives his shadow and his light at the same time sees himself from two sides, and that places him in the middle.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning 🌗➡️⚖️:  Shadow + Light: Jung speaks of the “shadow” as the unwanted or unconscious aspects of the personality, and of the “light” as conscious, desired qualities. Seeing oneself “from both sides”: True self-insight arises when you consider both perspectives, instead of identifying exclusively with your positive self-image. Coming “in the middle”: This refers to centering around the Self (Jung’s term for the totality of the psyche), a balance between opposites. The middle is not a compromise, but an integrated wholeness. Practical: Shadow work (honest self-reflection, recognizing projections, working with dreams/writing assignments/therapy) supports this integration. Author ✅:  Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) is the likely author. The statement is thematically 100% Jungian (shadow, light, middle/center, integration of opposites). Please note: The exact sentence is often quoted, but primary references with chapter/paragraph are rarely conclusively stated. Origin/source 🔎:  Most quoted German version: “We look forward to seeing our own Finsternis and being in the light, see if we can see it again, and we will be there in the Mitte.” Source status: wide secondary distribution (anthologies, quote collections, websites). A clear, verifiable placement with volume/page in Jung’s Gesammelte Werke (GW/CW) is rarely given convincingly. In terms of content, it is in line with: Two Essays on Analytical Psychology (CW 7; “Over die Beziehungen zwischen dem Ich und dem Unbewussten”): integration of shadow and unconscious. Aion (CW 9ii): “coincidentia oppositorum” (union of opposites) and centering around the Self. Conclusion: Most likely Jung, but likely a paraphrase/stylized summary of passages about shadow and the “Mitte” (center). Context: in Jung 🧠: Core motif: Becoming whole (individuation) requires confrontation with both shadow and light, whereby the ego is no longer one-sided but orients itself toward the Self as the center.“Mitte”: Jung frequently uses “Mitte/Zentrum” to indicate psychic balance/the Self.

The unconscious is, in a sense, the mother soil.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning🧠🌱: “The unconscious as mother ground” = metaphor: the unconscious functions as the fertile soil from which our conscious, our ideas, impulses and symbols emerge. “In a sense” qualifies: It is not a literal, but a functional comparison—the ego gradually differentiates itself from this deeper psychological field. Implication for Jungian psychology: Growth/individuation requires a living exchange between ego and unconscious (dreams, fantasies, symbols); repression or rupture leads to one-sidedness. Author ✅:   Attributed to Carl Gustav Jung. The formulation fits seamlessly with Jung’s standard imagery (unconscious as “mother ground”, “matrix”, “source”). Origin / source (context and variants): Originally formulated in German along the lines of: “Das Unbewusste ist in gewissem Sinne der Mutterboden.”  Jung uses this type of metaphor in several works, including: Two Essays on Analytical Psychology (CW 7), especially in the parts about the relationship between the ego and the unconscious. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (CW 9i), where he discusses the unconscious as the “matrix” of consciousness. On the Nature of the Psyche (CW 8), in broader reflections on the source function of the unconscious. Please note: translations (Dutch/English) vary in word choice (“mother soil”, “mother soil”, “matrix”, “grond/soil”). The sentence often circulates as a paraphrase that succinctly expresses Jungian thought. Why “mother soil” and not just “source”? 🌾:  “Ground/soil” emphasizes: Nutrition and growth (the unconscious feeds the conscious). Continuity (consciousness in the making from a deeper field). Archetypal coloring (resonates with the “Great Mother” motif, without being reduced to it).
Practical explanation 🛠️:  In therapy and self-knowledge: Attention to dream images and spontaneous fantasies as “shoots” from that soil; integration of these supports individuation and creativity.

When you “see” your own unconscious tendencies in others, this is called projection.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning 🔎: The quote describes the psychological mechanism of “projection”: you (often unconsciously) attribute your own tendencies, desires, fears, or shortcomings to others. Function: Defense mechanism to reduce inner tension or protect self-image. Examples: Jealousy → suspecting another of disloyalty or envy. Perfectionism → judging others as “sloppy” or “unprofessional.” Positive projection also exists: you idealize qualities in others that you do not (yet) admit to yourself. 🧭 Origin:  Psychoanalysis (early 20th century). Sigmund Freud introduced and described projection as a mechanism, including in his analysis of paranoia (Schreber case, 1911) and later texts.  Anna Freud systematized projection as one of the defense mechanisms (The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence, 1936). Carl Gustav Jung developed the idea in the context of the “shadow” (e.g., in Aion, 1951): what you reject in yourself, you often see in others. Melanie Klein (1946) and later W. R. Bion expanded it with “projective identification” (related, but not the same). Etymology: via French/English “projection” from Latin proicere (“to throw forward”).
✍️ Author of this quote: This specific English formulation is not a verifiable fixed quote from a single author; it is, in fact, a common (paraphrased) definition of “projection.” It is sometimes attributed to Carl Jung online, but this exact phrase cannot be found in his collected works. Therefore, consider it a summary description, not a literal quotation from Jung or Freud.

Stupidity, sin, sickness, old age and death still form the dark backdrop against which life’s cheerful radiance stands out.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. 🧠 Meaning:  It sums up the unavoidable “dark” constants of human existence (error, moral failure, suffering, decline, mortality). “Dark foil” (as in jewelry/art) = contrasting background: It is precisely through the darkness that you experience the light, joyful aspects of life more strongly. Jungian framework: Tension of opposites and “shadow”; acknowledging the darkness deepens the experience of meaning and the brilliance of life. 🧾 Origin:  Work:  C. G. Jung, Aion: Beiträge zur Symbolik des Selbst (Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self). Series: An English parallel: Collected Works (CW) 9ii, trans. R. F. C. Hull (Princeton UP). The sentence appears there in equivalent wording. ✍️ Author:  Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) 🇨🇭 Swiss psychiatrist, founder of analytical psychology; key concepts: archetypes, collective unconscious, shadow, individuation.

The sight of evil ignites evil in the soul. That is inevitable.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning: The quote suggests that “seeing” or contemplating evil in others activates the corresponding evil within ourselves. This ties in with Jung’s idea of the “shadow”: what we perceive in others can mobilise our own repressed tendencies (projection, contamination, normalisation). Implication: moral and psychological hygiene requires self-reflection and setting boundaries when confronted with destructive behaviour/images. Author: It is often attributed to Carl Gustav Jung, but there is no solid, verifiable primary source (no clear reference in the Collected Works with original German or English wording). Conclusion: probably not a literal Jung quote; rather a paraphrase of Jungian themes about shadow and projection. Origin: The specific wording in English (‘The sight of evil ignites evil in the soul. This is inevitable.’) circulates mainly on quotation websites without source attribution. There is no well-documented original publication (year/work/page number) known. Possible confusion: thematically, it is reminiscent of Nietzsche’s warning ‘Wer mit Ungeheuern kämpft…/Wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst…’, but that is a different, verifiable quote. Jung discusses in many places that confrontation with evil/the shadow can ‘constellate’ (activate) the evil within ourselves, including in: Two Essays on Analytical Psychology (CW 7). Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self (CW 9ii)

The encounter of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is a reaction, both are changed.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. 🧠 Meaning: Chemical metaphor ⚗️: Just as two substances can react upon contact and both change, so two people influence each other when there is true “chemistry.” Reciprocity 🔁: Change is not one-sided; both people experience a shift—in perspective, feelings, beliefs, or behavior. Condition: “if there is a reaction” ✅: Not every encounter is transformative; only when true interaction, resonance, or tension arises does change occur. Neutral/ambivalent ⚖️: The transformation can be positive (growth, insight) or challenging (conflict, confrontation)—but is always formative. 🧩 Origin:  Attributed to: C.G. Jung, often quoted in English as “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” Likely origin 🗂️: Often linked to “Modern Man in Search of a Soul” (1933) or essays within a Jungian context.
An exact primary source citation is often not given unambiguously in literature and online citations; it is a core Jungian idea that encapsulates his thinking on relationship, transference/countertransference, and alchemical symbolism.  👤 About the author: Carl Gustav Jung: Swiss psychiatrist, founder of analytical psychology. Key ideas: Collective unconscious, archetypes, the path of individuation, synchronicity, symbolism, and alchemy as a psychological language. 🧭 Application and context: Psychotherapy 🛋️: Refers to the mutual influence between therapist and client (transference/countertransference) in which both learn and change. Relationships ❤️: In friendship, love, or collaboration, people transform each other through genuine encounters, not through superficial contact.
Team/organization 🤝: Creative tension or “chemistry” can permanently shape cultures and individuals. 🔎 Nuances and misconceptions: Not every contact changes: Transformation only occurs through genuine involvement, conflict, resonance, or vulnerability. No romantic exclusivity: This applies equally to professional or conflictual interactions. No “power metaphor”: It emphasizes reciprocity, not dominance or one-sided influence. 📚 Short source hints: C.G. Jung – Modern Man in Search of a Soul (1933) [often cited attribution]. Jung’s essays on transference and alchemy for conceptual context.
Learn the best, know the best – and then forget everything when you come to the patients.

Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning 🧩:  The quote expresses three key points: Thoroughness:  Acquire the best possible education and theoretical knowledge. Modesty:  Theoretical frameworks are tools, not absolute truths. Presence:  In real contact with the patient, listening, observing, and attuning to the unique person counts more than rigidly applying theory. In short: theory as a compass, not a straitjacket. 🧭 Author and attribution 🖋️:  Jung (probably): There is a related, much-quoted statement circulated attributed to Jung, often along the lines of: “Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul.” Evidential status: This formulation is rarely substantiated with an exact, verifiable source (section/page/paragraph) from Jung’s Collected Works. In authoritative collections of quotations it is often “attributed.” Contextual fit: The idea strongly aligns with Jung’s clinical approach: the individual and lived experience take precedence over system and doctrine. Origin and variations 🔎:  Likely origin: Psychotherapy and medical education traditions that quote/paraphrase Jung to emphasize the importance of clinical presence. Close, authentic Jungian thoughts: Jung repeatedly writes that the individual case and the living encounter are leading and that theory is a tool. This is consistent, even though the exact phrase is difficult to trace. Comparable (non-Jung) traditions:  William Osler (medicine): emphasis on bedside learning and the unique patient. Carl Rogers (psychotherapy): experience and the person-centered approach over doctrine. Conclusion 🎯: This is probably not a direct quote from Jung, but a striking paraphrase of an idea that aligns well with Jung’s approach: master theory, but in the encounter with the patient, prioritize the living reality of that person.

It is easy to understand why people tend to ignore or even reject the message of their dreams. Consciousness naturally resists everything unconscious and unknown.

Photo: Carolyn Christine.  Meaning: The core idea is that dreams contain messages from the unconscious, and that the ego (the conscious self) tends to ignore or reject these messages. Concretely: Remaining aware of the unconscious can create tension because it touches on unfamiliar and potentially threatening content. In Jungian terms, the dream often functions as compensation: the dream content attempts to restore conscious balance by bringing unfamiliar or repressed aspects into consciousness. In summary: The statement emphasizes the tension between what is conscious and what remains unconscious, and the value of interpreting dreams for personal growth. Origin and author:  Direct verification:  This exact quote cannot be found as an indisputable Jungian quotation in his major works or the standard collections (CW, the Jungian Übt). Possible reality: The sentence appears to be a paraphrase or summary of Jungian ideas about dreams and the unconscious, rather than a literal quotation from his work. Conclusion:  It cannot be definitively attributed to Carl Gustav Jung as the original author. It could be a contemporary reformulation that highlights Jungian concepts. What Jung writes about this (contextualization): Dreams as expressions of the unconscious. The compensatory function of dreams: when conscious life becomes one-sided, dreams reveal contradictory or repressed content. The need to interpret dream content to achieve individuation. For reliable citations, you can search for: “Two Essays on Analytical Psychology” (publication of dream theory). “Dreams” and “Dream Analysis” passages in the Collected Works. Themes such as compensation, contradictions between consciousness and the unconscious, and the role of the unconscious in psychological development.Jung argued that dreams contain a message from the unconscious and that consciousness is often inclined to ignore this content; dreams sometimes serve as compensation to bring balance.

My way is not your way, so I cannot teach you. The way is within us, but not in gods, nor in teachings, nor in laws. Within us is the way, the truth, and the life.

Photo: Chris Reyem. Meaning:  Unique Path: “My way is not your way” emphasizes that each individual has their own psychological/life path. No External Recipe: Truth and direction do not lie in external dogmas, authorities, or fixed rules. Inner Orientation: The path is “within us”—connecting with Jung’s idea of ​​individuation: getting to know and integrate your own psyche (conscious and unconscious). Biblical Echo: The phrase “the way, the truth, and the life” deliberately refers to John 14:6; Jung places this not in an external figure, but in inner experience. Author 👤:  This quote is convincingly attributed to Carl Gustav Jung. It appears (in slightly varying translations) in The Red Book: Liber Novus. Jung originally wrote it in German; common translations in English and Dutch circulate. Origin / Source 📖:  Work: The Red Book (Liber Novus), C.G. Jung; ed. Sonu Shamdasani; W. W. Norton, 2009. Context: Jung describes the inner journey of individuation in visionary and reflective passages. The exact location varies per edition/translation; it occurs in the sections often referred to as Liber Primus/Secundus or Scrutinies. Translation/text variants 🌐: Commonly used English versions: “Your way is not my way, therefore I cannot teach you the way. The way is within us, but not in gods, nor in teachings, nor in laws. Within us is the way, the truth, and the life.” Probable German root form (global): “Dein Weg ist nicht mein Weg, darum kann ich nicht lehren. Der Weg ist in uns, aber nicht in Göttern, neither in Lehren, nor in Gesetzen. In uns ist der Weg, die Wahrheit und das Leben.” Minor differences (word order, “nor”/”and,” commas) are due to editions and translators. Common confusions ❗: With Nietzsche: the idea “no one can build your bridge” is Nietzsche’s (Zarathustra’s), not Jung’s. With general spiritual aphorisms: this quote is more specifically Jungian in its emphasis on individuation and the reinterpretation of religious language as inner psychic reality.

When the wrong man uses the right means, the right means work in the wrong way.

Photo: Rob Martin. Meaning 📌 🧠 : It’s not just about the method/technique (“the right means”), but about the person applying it. If someone’s intention, character, maturity, or moral compass is “wrong,” even good tools or correct procedures can backfire, be misused, or lead to harmful results. In short: ✅ Good means + ❌ wrong attitude/intent = ❌ wrong effect. 🧭 Origin / Origin: The phrase is usually presented as Chinese (Taoist) wisdom/saying in Western literature. In that tradition, there is a recurring idea that inner development and right action/right humanity precede “the right technique.”
⚠️ Important: It is often difficult to link these kinds of proverbs to a single classical Chinese source text (with exactly this wording), because they regularly circulate in the West as “Chinese proverb” in various translations. 👤 Author:Jung (very likely) did make it known in the West. Carl Gustav Jung quotes this statement and uses it to make a point: methods (e.g. psychological or spiritual techniques) only work well with the right inner attitude. ❗ However: Jung is probably not the “author”. Jung usually presents it as a (Chinese) saying—so as something he adopted, not as something he made up himself. 📚 Where in Jung’s book?: You can find the statement in Jung’s commentary/preface to The Secret of the Golden Flower (a Western edition of a Chinese alchemical/meditative text, translated by Richard Wilhelm; Jung wrote the psychological commentary). (The exact page/paragraph varies by edition and language—German/English/Dutch have different editions.)

Christianity set a specific direction, excluding all other possible directions.

Photo: Cosmic Timetraveler. Meaning 🧭:  Core idea: Christianity set a clear, exclusive course in faith and morality, marginalizing alternative spiritual/psychic directions. Jungian interpretation: One-sidedness of consciousness: emphasis on light, good, spirit, reason ➜ exclusion/suppression of shadow, evil, body, instinct, the feminine. ⚖️ Compensation: what is excluded returns via the unconscious (e.g. in heresies, mysticism, gnosticism, alchemy, and later in modern symbolism/psychology). 🔄: Symbol criticism: the Trinity (trinitarian thinking) tends to exclude the “fourth”; alchemy and quaternity represent the integration of the excluded. ◻️ Author and attribution ✍️:  Probably not a literal quote from Jung in this form; it is a striking paraphrase of his thesis. With due scholarly care: treat it as a paraphrase of Jung, not as a literal quotation mark. ⚠️ Origin / possible source context 📚: Where Jung strongly develops this idea: Psychology and Religion: West and East (Collected Works, CW 11) — including “The Psychological Approach to the Dogma of the Trinity”: on the exclusion of the “fourth” and the resulting one-sidedness. Aion (CW 9ii) — on the Christ symbol, shadow, antitype (Antichrist), and the problem of the excluded in Christian symbolism. Answer to Job (often published within CW 11) — on the integration of good and evil in the divine image; critique of moral one-sidedness. Psychological Types (CW 6) and essays in CW 10 — reflections on cultural/ethical one-sidedness in the West. An exact, verifiable primary source with precisely this wording is difficult to find; It seems more like a paraphrase of Jung’s thought on the “one-sidedness” of Christianity. In terms of content, it closely resembles Jung’s work on how Christianity excluded certain psychic and symbolic possibilities (shadow, the “fourth,” the feminine/bodily), which were later unconsciously compensated for. 🧠Note: as far as we know, the exact sentence cannot be found verbatim in these works; the idea, however, can.

The overwhelming majority of people are completely incapable of putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Photo: Mariah Krafft. Meaning:  Core idea:  Most people struggle with empathy / perspective-taking—they interpret others through their own feelings, assumptions, and biases rather than genuinely imagining the other person’s experience. Psychological framing: It aligns with concepts like: Egocentric bias (defaulting to one’s own viewpoint). Projection (attributing one’s inner states to others): Limits in theory of mind (accurately modeling another person’s mental state). Is it really by Carl Gustav Jung? Most likely: no, not in this exact wording. This sentence is widely circulated online as a “Jung quote,” but it typically appears without a verifiable citation (book, lecture, letter, volume/page from Collected Works). As far as reliable, citable Jung sources go, this quote is best treated as misattributed or at least unverified. Bottom line: If you need to attribute it academically or responsibly, it’s safer to say: “Often attributed to Carl Jung (unverified)” rather than presenting it as a confirmed Jung quotation. Origin / source status: What we can say with confidence: The phrasing reads like a modern, internet-era paraphrase of themes common in Jungian psychology (especially projection and limited self-awareness). It is not a well-documented line from Jung in standard reference collections, and it usually circulates without primary-source details. Why it gets linked to Jung: Jung wrote extensively about how people misunderstand others because they are driven by unconscious material and projection—which can resemble the sentiment of this quote. That thematic similarity often leads to quote drift: people summarize an idea and later the summary becomes “a quote.” Closely related Jung ideas (authentic theme, different wording). Even if the exact sentence isn’t reliably Jung’s, these Jung-consistent ideas are commonly supported in his work: People often project unconscious content onto others, which makes them “see” their own mind rather than the other person. Greater understanding of others is tied to greater consciousness of oneself (reducing projection).

One is a psychological process that one cannot control.

Photo: Georgia Mashford. Meaning:  Core idea: The psyche is a process or dynamic sequence that is not entirely under our conscious control. Implications: There are aspects of our experience that run autonomously (especially unconscious content). Humans are less sovereign over their inner processes than they might believe. Self-control has limits; a part of the psyche “follows its own course.” Origin and author: Direct quote? No reliable source confirms that this sentence is taken from a well-known work by C. G. Jung. Common problems with quotations: Bibliographically verifiable quotations are occasionally misquoted or paraphrased. Sometimes it is a modern paraphrase or an interpretation of Jung’s ideas by others. Presumed attribution: There is no reliable, confirmed source that definitively attributes this specific quotation to Jung. It is plausible that the sentence is a summary of a psychological view attributed to Jung, or that it is a falsified attribution. Jung and similar ideas (without direct quotations): Central Jungian ideas that fit thematically: The unconscious strongly influences our behavior; many processes occur outside of conscious control. The path to self-realization (individuation) means becoming aware of unconscious aspects. The psyche is often understood as an open system in which conscious control has limits. Well-known, genuine Jungian quotes that address similar themes (with reservations regarding literal accuracy): “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will determine your life—and you will call it your destiny.” (commonly quoted form, original wording varies) Note: The literal German version varies in translations; the meaning corresponds to Jung’s emphasis on the unconscious’s influence.

Door Pieter

Mensenmens, zoon, echtgenoot, vader, opa. Spiritueel, echter niet religieus. Ik hou van golf, wandelen, lezen en de natuur in veel opzichten. Onderzoeker, nieuwsgierig, geen fan van de mainstream media (MSM).

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