09/02/2026
Jung saying harsh truths makes him probably my most relatable Psychologist. Two pages of his quotes is just not enough. There is lots of talk on social media of the shadow self but hopefully people understand the theory in its psychological context before posting it and I really doubt the reliability of such online quizzes.
Carl Gustav Jung (1875ā1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology whose ideas reshaped how we understand the human mind. At a time when psychology focused mainly on pathology and surface behaviour, Jung looked deeper, exploring symbolism, spirituality, myth, and the inner search for meaning. He believed that true psychological health comes from individuation: the lifelong process of becoming your authentic self by integrating both the light and shadow aspects of your personality.
One of Jungās most influential ideas was the collective unconscious, the idea that beneath our personal experiences lies a shared psychological inheritance common to all humanity. Within this collective layer exist archetypes, universal patterns and symbols such as the Hero, the Shadow, the Mother, and the Wise Old Man, which appear across cultures, dreams, stories, and religions. Today, these ideas resonate strongly in conversations around identity, self-awareness, and the ācollective consciousness,ā showing just how far ahead of his time Jung truly was.
Jung often challenged the rigid scientific and social norms of his era. He openly explored topics many considered unconventional, spirituality, alchemy, dreams, and mythology, because he believed understanding the human psyche required more than strict rationalism. He followed his ideas even when they went against mainstream thinking, prioritising truth and inner exploration over social approval. That willingness to question accepted structures is part of why his work continues to feel modern and deeply relatable today.
