Retrospect by Carl Jung (1957)
The book explores the concept of individuation and the process of integrating the opposites within an individual's psyche. It discusses how this integration leads to a more complete and balanced personality. The text also examines the role of the collective unconscious in shaping human behavior and the importance of acknowledging one's shadow self.
By Carl Jung · First published 1957 · Genre: Philosophy, Psychology, Autobiography · 1,890 words
First lines
WHEN PEOPLE SAY I am wise, or a sage, I cannot accept it. A man once dipped a hatful of water from a stream. What did that amount to? I am not that stream. I am at the stream, but I do nothing. Other people are at the same stream, but most of them find they have to do something with it. I do nothing. I never think that I am the one who must see to it that cherries grow on stalks. I stand and behold, admiring what nature can do.
There is a fine old story about a student who came to a rabbi and said, "In the olden days there were men who saw the face of God. Why don't they any more? " The rabbi replied, "Because nowadays no one can stoop so low"
What this Textopian page supports
Retrospect is listed on Textopian as an essay by Carl Jung, dated 1957 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: 1957 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Psychology, Autobiography, Spirituality, Literary Non-fiction
- Length: 1,890 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Retrospect by Carl Jung
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Late Thoughts by Carl Jung
- Travels by Carl Jung
- The Undiscovered Self by Carl G. Jung
- Visions by Carl Jung
- The Work by Carl Jung
- Confrontation With The Unconscious by Carl Jung
Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores deep existential questions, the nature of self, and the human experience, characteristic of philosophical discourse.
- Psychology — It delves into the unconscious, personal experiences, and the psychological processes that shape individual perception and relationships.
- Autobiography — The narrative reflects personal insights and experiences, resembling an introspective account of the author's life.
- Spirituality — Themes of the numinous, the divine, and the search for meaning indicate a spiritual dimension to the text.
Tags
Psychology · Autobiography · Memoir · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Spirituality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Psychoanalysis · Dream Analysis · Collective Unconscious · Archetypes