“It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves.”
- 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
Quote
“It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung emphasizes the importance of perspective in shaping our experience of the world. He suggests that the way we interpret and understand things is often more significant than the objective reality of those things themselves. Our perceptions are filtered through our consciousness, influenced by our beliefs, emotions, unconscious biases, and personal experiences. As a result, two people can encounter the same situation or object and interpret it in entirely different ways. Jung’s point is that meaning and truth are not fixed entities but are largely shaped by how we engage with and perceive the world. This perspective aligns with his broader psychological theory that the unconscious plays a critical role in shaping our perceptions and reactions to life, emphasizing that understanding and awareness can transform how we relate to external events and internal states.
Historically, Jung’s view reflects his belief in the importance of the subjective experience in understanding human behavior and consciousness. He recognized that the personal unconscious, with its unique set of archetypes, complexes, and memories, greatly influences how we perceive the world around us. The way we see things—whether they are perceived as threatening, hopeful, or meaningful—is often a projection of our internal worlds. Jung believed that a deeper awareness of our own unconscious projections could lead to greater psychological integration and a more balanced relationship with reality. By examining our thoughts, beliefs, and emotional responses, we can change the way we perceive external events and, in turn, how we interact with the world.
In modern psychology, Jung’s quote aligns with the concept of cognitive reframing, which is used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapeutic approach teaches that individuals can change their emotional and behavioral responses to situations by altering the way they think about them. Instead of seeing an event as inherently negative or threatening, individuals can learn to view it from a different perspective—perhaps as an opportunity for growth or as a challenge to be faced rather than an obstacle. This ability to shift perspectives is linked to psychological flexibility and resilience, as research shows that those who are able to adapt their perceptions in the face of adversity are better equipped to navigate stress and uncertainty. Jung’s quote serves as a reminder that our subjective experience—shaped by our inner world—has a profound impact on how we interpret reality, and by changing how we look at things, we can transform our engagement with the world itself.
