“A psychoneurosis must be understood, ultimately, as the suffering of a soul which has not discovered its meaning.”
- 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
“A psychoneurosis must be understood, ultimately, as the suffering of a soul which has not discovered its meaning.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung suggests that psychoneurosis—a condition marked by anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances—should be understood as a form of existential suffering. According to Jung, such suffering arises when an individual’s soul has not yet found a sense of meaning or purpose in life. He believed that the search for meaning is central to human existence, and when this search is thwarted or unfulfilled, it manifests as psychological distress. In Jung’s view, the neurosis is not just a set of symptoms to be treated, but a sign that something deeper—such as the person’s inner self or spiritual needs—is being ignored or suppressed.
Jung’s concept of neurosis ties closely to his theory of individuation, the process through which a person becomes their true, whole self. If a person fails to integrate their conscious and unconscious aspects, or does not find a way to live in harmony with their inner desires and values, they may experience inner conflict that manifests as neurosis. Historically, many of Jung’s patients suffered from neurotic symptoms that he interpreted as attempts to suppress the spiritual or existential questions of life, which were not being addressed through their everyday, rational concerns. This aligns with Jung’s broader perspective that psychological health is not merely about symptom relief but about guiding individuals to find a deeper sense of meaning in life.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with current approaches in psychotherapy and existential psychology, where meaning-making is seen as a key aspect of mental health. For example, logotherapy, a therapeutic approach developed by Viktor Frankl, centers on the importance of finding meaning in life as a way to overcome suffering. Jung’s perspective encourages therapists and individuals to look beyond symptoms and instead explore the deeper questions of existence that may be contributing to emotional or psychological distress. By helping people find a sense of purpose or connection to something greater than themselves, neuroses can often be alleviated and transformed into opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
