C.G. Jung

Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), the Swiss psychiatrist who helped to pioneer depth psychology, also made significant contributions to modern culture in general. Jung is known for his theories on the structure and dynamics of the human psyche, and his discoveries hold meaning not only for psychologists, but also for those involved in the arts and philosophy, as well as spiritual and religious studies. Many of his concepts have been absorbed into the modern vernacular, including: shadow, persona, complex, archetypes, synchronicity, and also personality traits such as extraversion and introversion.

During his university years, Jung struggled with whether to pursue his interest in the natural sciences or in the humanities. He decided on medicine, but near the end of his studies, discovered that the field of psychiatry allowed him to combine both callings. Jung realized he could apply scientific methodology to the spiritual problems of the psyche. His quest for empirical evidence to substantiate his theories led him to investigate many varied and far-reaching topics, including dream symbolism, mythology, philosophy, alchemy, parapsychology, art, archeology, and Eastern and Western spiritual and religious traditions.

Jungian psychology differs from most other branches in the field because it suggests that the psyche continues to develop even after psychic wounds have been addressed and the individual has achieved "normalcy." Jung called this continual unfolding of the psyche individuation—the drive towards wholeness in which the ego yields control to the true center of psychic life, which Jung termed the Self. Persons who consciously surrender to the Self are at peace with all the superior and inferior aspects of their natures. They no longer require the collective to bolster their self-image, and instead enrich the community by their very presence.