“We are in a far better position to observe instincts in animals or in primitives than in ourselves. This is due to the fact that we have grown accustomed to scrutinizing our own actions and to seeking rational explanations for them.”
- July 26, 1875 – June 6, 1961
- Born in Switzerland
- Psychiatrist and psychologist
- Founded analytical psychology and proposed the concepts of archetypes and the collective unconscious
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Quote
“We are in a far better position to observe instincts in animals or in primitives than in ourselves. This is due to the fact that we have grown accustomed to scrutinizing our own actions and to seeking rational explanations for them.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung reflects on the disconnection between modern humans and their own instinctual nature. He suggests that because we are so focused on rationality, conscious thought, and self-analysis, we have become less attuned to our unconscious drives and instincts. As a result, we are often better equipped to observe and understand these behaviors in animals or more primitive societies, where instincts play a more direct role in daily life. Jung’s statement points to the idea that modern civilization has conditioned us to prioritize reason and social norms over instinctive or intuitive responses, which can make it harder for us to recognize the unconscious forces that shape our own behavior.
Jung’s emphasis on the observation of instincts aligns with his broader theory of the collective unconscious—a shared layer of the unconscious mind that is rich in archetypes and universal symbols. In non-industrialized societies or animals, these instincts often remain more unmediated and visible, whereas in modern life, they are often suppressed or ignored in favor of socially acceptable rationalization. This discrepancy makes it difficult for people to fully recognize or trust their instincts and intuition. Historically, indigenous cultures and pre-modern societies were more attuned to the natural world and often had rituals and practices that connected them with their instinctual wisdom.
In contemporary times, Jung’s observation remains relevant as we increasingly rely on logic and analysis to navigate our lives, often losing touch with deeper emotional or instinctive responses. For example, modern psychotherapy emphasizes rational understanding of emotional issues, but dream analysis or creative expression often taps into the instinctual and unconscious aspects of the mind, offering a fuller picture of the self. Jung’s quote reminds us that while rational thinking is a valuable tool, it is also important to cultivate an awareness of the more primitive aspects of our psyche, which can offer insight and guide us toward a more integrated existence.
