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A review by ryalcoll28
Man and His Symbols by C.G. Jung
3.0
In the first chapter, Jung delineates the differences between the unconscious/conscious mind, and, in the process, discusses archetypes and the process of individuation (though the actual term "individuation" isn't mentioned until a later chapter). I was especially taken by his observation that in our worship of "Rationalism" we've lost a connection with the subconscious strata that "primitive" man was so in tune with and that this loss is translated into our inability to find a deeper/spiritual connection to the natural world, which, as Jung accurately predicted, could have devastating consequences for the planet/humanity.
The second chapter is also fascinating in that it explores common motifs and symbols and dives deeper into Jung's concept of archetypes. I especially enjoyed reading the different interpretations the author offers for common folk/fairy tales.
That being said, Chapter three loses me. The concept of the animus/anima is far-fetched and is grounded in sexist assumptions. This chapter also engages in the very thing Jung warns against in his opening chapter: a reductionist take on the universal meaning of particular symbols without regard to the individual.
Chapter four offers a compelling look at contemporary art in the context of Jungian psychoanalysis and makes the compelling case that abstract/figurative art is ironically more naturalistic than might be superficially apparent; it was an interesting read. Chapter 5, however, is one long case study, that (while interesting) seems to make a number of interpretive leaps. It also makes you wonder to what extent these psychoanalysts make up dreams that lend themselves to their particular interpretive framework; for instance, too many of them are narratively coherent, which, are nothing like the fragmentary and incoherent dreams I've experienced. I also think dreams are more a working out of things we're consciously anxious about/struggling with, but this is, of course, based on my own experiences.
Overall, while I don't necessarily believe a lot of what this book is suggesting about dreams and their relationship to the ego/unconscious, it has a lot to say philosophically about each individual's relationship to self; furthermore, it's an interesting study of myths, rituals, and religion, making it a worthwhile read if you're interested in anthropology, mythology, or religious studies.
The second chapter is also fascinating in that it explores common motifs and symbols and dives deeper into Jung's concept of archetypes. I especially enjoyed reading the different interpretations the author offers for common folk/fairy tales.
That being said, Chapter three loses me. The concept of the animus/anima is far-fetched and is grounded in sexist assumptions. This chapter also engages in the very thing Jung warns against in his opening chapter: a reductionist take on the universal meaning of particular symbols without regard to the individual.
Chapter four offers a compelling look at contemporary art in the context of Jungian psychoanalysis and makes the compelling case that abstract/figurative art is ironically more naturalistic than might be superficially apparent; it was an interesting read. Chapter 5, however, is one long case study, that (while interesting) seems to make a number of interpretive leaps. It also makes you wonder to what extent these psychoanalysts make up dreams that lend themselves to their particular interpretive framework; for instance, too many of them are narratively coherent, which, are nothing like the fragmentary and incoherent dreams I've experienced. I also think dreams are more a working out of things we're consciously anxious about/struggling with, but this is, of course, based on my own experiences.
Overall, while I don't necessarily believe a lot of what this book is suggesting about dreams and their relationship to the ego/unconscious, it has a lot to say philosophically about each individual's relationship to self; furthermore, it's an interesting study of myths, rituals, and religion, making it a worthwhile read if you're interested in anthropology, mythology, or religious studies.