“Shrinking away from death is something unhealthy and abnormal which robs the second half of life of its purpose.”
- 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
“Shrinking away from death is something unhealthy and abnormal which robs the second half of life of its purpose.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung suggests that avoiding or fearing death is detrimental to one’s psychological and existential well-being, particularly in the second half of life. He argues that a failure to acknowledge and accept death—an inevitable part of existence—deprives the later years of life of their purpose and meaning. Jung viewed confronting mortality as an essential aspect of personal growth and self-realization. The second half of life, for Jung, is a time for deep reflection, integration, and the acceptance of one’s limitations and impermanence. By refusing to confront death, individuals can remain stuck in the concerns and illusions of earlier life stages, preventing them from engaging fully with the inner transformation and wisdom that aging can bring.
Historically, Jung’s view aligns with his broader theory of individuation, which is a process of integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche throughout one’s life. As one ages, the confrontation with death can catalyze a shift toward a more spiritual and reflective existence. Rather than trying to avoid or deny death, Jung believed that embracing it leads to psychological maturity and a deeper understanding of life’s meaning. He saw the second half of life as an opportunity to reconcile with one’s past and come to terms with the inevitability of death. This reconciliation is not morbid but represents a psychological liberation, freeing the individual to live with greater authenticity and wisdom.
In modern psychology, this idea resonates with concepts in existential psychology and positive aging, which emphasize the importance of confronting mortality in order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Psychologists such as Irvin Yalom have written about the importance of accepting death to achieve psychological health, arguing that acknowledging mortality can lead to personal transformation and growth. For instance, existential therapy encourages individuals to confront the fear of death and reflect on how that awareness influences their daily choices and relationships. Jung’s quote reinforces the idea that by coming to terms with death, individuals can unlock a deeper sense of purpose, particularly in the later years of life, and move beyond the anxieties that often accompany aging to embrace life in its fullest form.
