Review - Man and HIs Symbols by Carl Gustav Jung

A symbol, Jung explains, is a word, picture, photograph, statue, etc. that always signifies something much larger than what we immediately know, and therefore points to the unconscious. In this book, Jung first introduces us (the lay public) to the unconscious and it's machinations that can be found in personal ticks, social characteristics, dreams and fantasies. The unconscious can manifest personally in the complex, those group of personal characteristics we acquire through private experience, and the archetype, the 'motif' behind the group symbol such as the religious symbol of the Cross, or the fairy tale image of the Old Wise Man. The unconscious, you see, is just as much, if not more, a part of the Psyche as the consciuos ego is, and therefore plays a large role in the development and sustainment of all major human achievements such as Religion, the Sciences, Arts and so forth. Even the most logical scientific theory contains projected unconscious elements of the scientist, Jung reminds us, perhaps the most telling in the post-enlightenment age. Following is a grand sweeping presentation of the symbol in Religion, Science and Art and even the mundane everyday experience of the individual that though is comprehensive, doesn't dwell too long on any of it's subjects. Breadth, and not depth for each subject seems to be preferrred here, as this remember is an introduction and not written for the specialist. A wonderful 'get to know you' book from Carl Jung in his late years at the close of his psychiatric career. Everyone should be introduced to this man and his far-reaching ideas...