Decoding Jung's Collective Unconscious: Masterpiece or Misunderstood Theory?

Treasure Trove Thursday

Mar 06, 2025

Welcome to Treasure Trove Thursday where I share useful gems to digest over the weekend.

Dear Friends,

On Monday I published ‘Exploring the Soul: A Psychological Perspective on Inner Identity’. One of the key themes I introduced was Jung’s Collective Unconscious and how this shared unconscious is populated by archetypes; universal symbols and themes that manifest in dreams, art, and myths. He was a strong defender of the hero archetype and how history and social culture shaped personal identity.

Whilst Freud was working on his theories of the subconscious that led to his theory of the Id, Ego & Superego, Jung was busy separating the Conscious from the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. He wrote extensively about The Self, the Persona, the Shadow, and the Anima/Animus.

Originally a student of Freud’s, Jung parted from Freud due to Freud's nihilist ideas and inability to see historical influence in people's psychology. Jung and Freud initially shared a robust intellectual partnership, primarily due to their mutual interest in the unconscious mind. However, several key differences in their theories and perspectives ultimately led to their professional separation.

One major point of contention was their divergent views on the nature and role of the unconscious. Freud emphasised the primacy of sexual drives as the main motivating force of human behaviour, encapsulated in his theory of the libido. In contrast, Jung proposed a more expansive concept, integrating spiritual and mystical elements, whilst introducing ideas like the collective unconscious and archetype.

Jung helped establish the Archetype system that embodies cultural stories such as the Hero Myth giving modern resurrection to ancient mythological truths. Jung disagreed with Freud’s deterministic view of human psychology, instead advocating for the potential for personal growth and self-realization.

Their theoretical disagreements were further strained by psychological and philosophical differences; Freud's focus remained largely scientific and reductionist, while Jung leaned towards a more holistic and integrative approach. Where Freud was an Anti-Theist-Atheist, Carl Jung was quite the opposite. These foundational differences prompted their eventual professional parting.

Below are some resources to help you understand both of these greatly influential psychologists.

Enjoy your weekend!

Regards, Adele