“A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life’s morning.”
- 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
“A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life’s morning.”
Explanation
Carl Jung’s quote suggests that old age is not just a time of decline but a crucial stage in the human experience, with its own inherent purpose. He argues that if humans were not meant to live into their later years, nature would not have designed us with the physical capacity to do so. Instead, Jung implies that the later stages of life—what he refers to as the “afternoon”—should be valued for the wisdom, reflection, and integration they offer. This is aligned with Jung’s broader concept of individuation, where the later years are seen as an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual development rather than simply a decline from the vitality of youth.
Jung’s insight challenges the often modern view of old age as a time of irrelevance or decline. Historically, in many cultures, elders were respected for their accumulated knowledge and experience, often holding leadership roles or positions of wisdom. In contrast, modern societies tend to emphasize youth, sometimes overlooking the value of life’s later years. Jung’s perspective serves as a reminder that the second half of life can be a time of great meaning, offering opportunities for reflection, legacy-building, and deeper connection to one’s spiritual self.
In contemporary terms, this quote is relevant to how we view aging and retirement. Rather than focusing solely on the physical limitations of aging, there is growing recognition of the psychological and emotional benefits that come with life experience. Many people in their later years find new purposes, whether through mentorship, creative expression, or personal reflection, proving that the “afternoon” of life can be rich and meaningful. Jung’s words encourage us to see aging not as a loss but as a phase with its own unique and valuable potential for growth.
