“Our heart glows, and secret unrest gnaws at the root of our being. Dealing with the unconscious has become a question of life for us.”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“Our heart glows, and secret unrest gnaws at the root of our being. Dealing with the unconscious has become a question of life for us.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung speaks to the profound inner tension and existential unrest that individuals experience when they are disconnected from or unaware of the unconscious aspects of their psyche. The phrase “our heart glows” suggests that there is a deep, intuitive longing or yearning for wholeness and meaning that can only be fulfilled by integrating the unconscious mind. The “secret unrest” that gnaws at the root of our being symbolizes the psychic discomfort that arises when we ignore or suppress the deeper, often hidden parts of ourselves—our instincts, emotions, and shadow. Jung believed that failing to engage with the unconscious leads to inner conflict and a sense of psychological fragmentation. The unresolved tensions of the unconscious, when left unchecked, manifest as symptoms, anxiety, and a sense of being disconnected from one’s true self. For Jung, dealing with the unconscious is not just a therapeutic process, but a matter of existential survival—it’s a way to live a whole and authentic life.
Historically, this quote reflects Jung’s central concept of individuation, the lifelong process of integrating the conscious and unconscious parts of the psyche. He saw this integration as essential for achieving psychological wholeness and personal growth. In his view, consciousness alone could not provide a full understanding of the self, as it is only one aspect of the psyche. The unconscious, with its archetypes, dreams, and instincts, is equally vital in shaping a person’s experience of the world. However, many individuals avoid or repress this part of themselves due to societal pressures, fear, or ignorance, which can lead to psychic dissonance and existential crisis. By actively engaging with the unconscious, individuals can bring these hidden aspects to light, heal psychological wounds, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their life’s purpose, and their place in the world.
In modern terms, Jung’s insight about the “question of life” underscores the importance of psychological awareness and self-reflection in the contemporary world. As we become increasingly aware of mental health and well-being, the idea of integrating unconscious material remains relevant, especially in addressing anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles. Contemporary therapeutic approaches like depth psychology, psychodynamic therapy, and even mindfulness practices emphasize the importance of understanding the unconscious mind—whether through dreams, creative expression, or exploration of past experiences. Jung’s idea of unconscious engagement is also relevant in today’s discussions on self-actualization and authentic living, where personal fulfillment is tied to understanding and embracing the full range of one’s emotional and psychological experience. The “secret unrest” he describes can be seen as the discontent that drives individuals to seek deeper meaning and understanding in life—something that remains a central concern in both psychology and philosophy today.
