“The man who promises everything is sure to fulfil nothing, and everyone who promises too much is in danger of using evil means in order to carry out his promises, and is already on the road to perdition.”
- 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
“The man who promises everything is sure to fulfil nothing, and everyone who promises too much is in danger of using evil means in order to carry out his promises, and is already on the road to perdition.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung critiques the tendency of individuals, particularly leaders or those in positions of influence, to make grand promises without the ability or intention to deliver. He warns that those who make excessive promises, especially when they overreach or mislead others about what is possible, are destined to fail. The reason for this failure, Jung suggests, is that the gap between the idealized promises and the actual capabilities of the person creating them is too great. As a result, the individual may resort to dishonest or unethical actions in an attempt to fulfill their promises, thus leading themselves down a path of moral corruption or self-destruction—what he refers to as the “road to perdition.” Jung’s quote underscores the dangers of excessive idealism or empty promises, which not only fail to benefit others but also erode the integrity of the person making them.
Historically, this quote reflects Jung’s skepticism about grandiosity and idealism in both individual and collective human behavior. He often warned against the dangers of inflated ego and the tendency to project an image of oneself that is disconnected from reality. Such individuals may be motivated by a desire for power, approval, or a sense of grandiosity, but the inevitable discrepancy between their promises and their ability to deliver leads to failure and moral decay. Jung saw this as a form of self-deception—an unwillingness to confront the limitations of the self and the real nature of human existence. This idealization not only harms others but also erodes the authentic self of the individual making the promises, driving them further from psychological wholeness.
In modern psychological terms, Jung’s quote can be linked to the concept of cognitive dissonance—the psychological tension that arises when individuals fail to align their actions with their promises or ideals. This dissonance often leads to rationalizations or dishonest behaviors to avoid facing the gap between one’s ideals and reality. In the context of leadership, such behaviors can be observed in figures who promise more than they can realistically achieve, leading to disappointment, betrayal, or manipulation. Jung’s message serves as a warning against the temptation to overpromise, emphasizing the importance of integrity, realism, and humility in both personal and public life. Instead of promising everything, the focus should be on practical commitments that align with one’s true capabilities and values, fostering trust and psychological balance rather than deceit and self-destruction.
