Flying Saucers by Carl Jung (1959)

Name: Flying Saucers
Author: Carl Jung

The book explores the concept of flying saucers as a symbol of the collective unconscious and the process of individuation. It examines how the idea of extraterrestrial life reflects humanity's desire for transcendence and connection with something greater than itself. The text delves into the psychological implications of this phenomenon, including the fear of the unknown and the need for control in an uncertain world.

By Carl Jung · First published 1959 · Genre: Psychology, Philosophy, Parapsychology · 7 chapters · 54,143 words

First lines

It is difficult to form a correct estimate of the significance of contemporary events, and the danger that our judgment will remain caught in subjectivity is great. So I am fully aware of the risk I am taking in proposing to communicate my views concerning certain contemporary events, which seem to me important, to those who are patient enough to hear me. I refer to those reports reaching us from all corners of the earth, rumours of round objects that flash through the troposphere and stratosphere and go by the name of Flying Saucers, soucoupes, disks, and "Ufos" (Unidentified Flying Objects). These rumours, or the possible physical existence of such objects, seem to me so significant that I feel myself compelled, as once before[1] when events of fateful consequence were brewing for Europe, to sound a note of warning. I know that, just as before, my voice is much too weak to reach the ear of the multitude. It is not presumption that drives me, but my conscience as a psychiatrist that bids me fulfill my duty and prepare those few who will hear me for coming events which are in accord with the end of an era. As we know from ancient Egyptian history, they are manifestations of psychic changes which always appear at the end of one Platonic month and at the beginning of another. Apparently they are changes in the constellation of psychic dominants, of the archetypes, or "gods" as they used to be called, which bring about, or accompany, long-lasting transformations of the collective psyche. This transformation started in the historical era and left its traces first in the passing of the aeon of Taurus into that of Aries, and then of Aries into Pisces, whose beginning coincides with the rise of Christianity. We are now nearing that great change which may be expected when the spring-point enters Aquarius.

What this Textopian page supports

Flying Saucers is listed on Textopian as an essay by Carl Jung, dated 1959 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Carl Jung
Date: 1959 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Parapsychology, Cultural Studies, Science Fiction
Length: 54,143 words
Structure: 7 chapters, 345 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Flying Saucers by Carl Jung
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Flying Saucers?
How does this essay by Carl Jung fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Psychology first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Psychology — The book explores psychological themes, particularly the collective unconscious and archetypes.
Philosophy — It delves into philosophical questions about reality, perception, and the human experience.
Parapsychology — The content addresses phenomena related to UFOs and their psychological implications.
Cultural Studies — It examines the cultural significance of flying saucers and their impact on society.