Analysis of Carl Jung´s Memories, Dreams, and Reflections

The book Memories, Dreams, and Reflections features Jung's childhood, his personal life, and exploration into the psyche in association with religion as well. Jung reveals much of life experiences and acquaintances that were forged throughout his life. Aside from self-reflections, thoughts, and ideas, Jung also offers recall of early memories—childhood dreams, visions, in connection with his adulthood. Although Jung was not without his faults, he ponders on his weaknesses, some that he accepted and worked with—dipping into the unconsciousness (darkness) to find meaning. Similar to prior readings, Jung also attempts to find meaning in his own life, "meaninglessness inhibits fullness of life and is therefore the equivalent to illness.” Furthermore, Jung states that people are childish and they have to be guided through religion in order to adapt to reality. Therefore, religious enlightenment is necessary to promote healthy well-being of humankind. “How are they ever to emerge if analysis does not make them aware of something different or better?” questions Jung.

After reading the chapters from Jung, the elephant in the room cannot be ignored. Based on what I’ve gathered Jung forged a friendship with Freud for personal gains. Freud anticipated his “death” before it occurred, in the metaphorical sense; publication of Jung’s chapter “The Sacrifice” which Jung lied to Freud about when questioned about death and death wishes. Coincidentally, once Jung obtained the knowledge he sought by befriending Freud, the publication resulted negatively for Jung despite not adhering to Freud’s request: strong emphasis on sexuality with the unconscious. Consequently Jung was deterred from his path in life. In certain instances, Jung mentions dwellin...

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... comprehendible in our reality. Therefore, we should develop our consciousness based on humanistic attitude in order to evolve and be guided spiritually to become whole (filling internal void by adopting religion).

Jung’s subjective nature as well his speculative beliefs in his experiences attempts to discover the relation between objective truth (real), psychology, and spirituality (supernatural). He placed tremendous value on the meaning of personal and collective dreams. Jung considered them prophetic and visionary for the collective nature. Conclusively, Jung’s understood the self as the principle and archetype of orientation and meaning. Jung’s development of self is a concept quite similar to Fromm, Eliade, Frankl and other humanistic driven ideas discussed prior to reach completion, wholeness, absoluteness, in essence to be harmonious with nature (fate).