“We shall probably get nearest to the truth if we think of the conscious and personal psyche as resting upon the broad basis of an inherited and universal psychic disposition which is as such unconscious, and that our personal psyche bears the same relation to the collective psyche as the individual to society.”
- 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
“We shall probably get nearest to the truth if we think of the conscious and personal psyche as resting upon the broad basis of an inherited and universal psychic disposition which is as such unconscious, and that our personal psyche bears the same relation to the collective psyche as the individual to society.”
Explanation
In this quote, Carl Jung introduces his concept of the collective unconscious, suggesting that the personal psyche—the conscious and unique aspects of an individual’s mind—is built upon a deeper, universal foundation that is shared by all humans. This foundation, according to Jung, is unconscious and consists of inherited psychic structures or archetypes that shape human experience across time and culture. Just as an individual is part of and influenced by society, Jung proposes that the personal psyche is part of the larger, collective psychic structure that binds humanity. This collective unconscious holds shared experiences and patterns of thought that transcend the individual and connect us to a deeper human heritage.
Jung’s view contrasts with the traditional notion of the psyche as entirely personal and individual, positing instead that there are universal elements embedded in our unconscious that are inherited across generations. Historically, Jung’s ideas were groundbreaking in the field of psychology because they suggested that the unconscious mind was not just a repository of personal memories or repressed desires, but also a repository of universal, archetypal symbols and patterns. These archetypes—such as the Hero, the Mother, or the Shadow—exist in the unconscious of all people and emerge in dreams, myths, and cultural narratives. This notion aligns with Jung’s interest in mythology and religion, where he saw universal themes repeating across time and cultures.
In modern terms, Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious has influenced a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, and literature. Today, it is often applied to explain why certain archetypal themes—such as the hero’s journey or the trickster figure—appear across different cultures and times. It also informs contemporary psychotherapy, where understanding the influence of unconscious, collective patterns can help individuals confront their personal struggles and integrate deeper aspects of their psyche. Jung’s quote invites us to see ourselves not as isolated individuals, but as part of a broader human experience that is shaped by shared unconscious forces, connecting us to both our ancestors and society.
