Carl Jung (1875–1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. He was originally a close collaborator of Sigmund Freud but later developed his own theories, breaking away from Freud’s focus on sexuality.
Key Contributions
- The Collective Unconscious – A theory that suggests humans share a deep layer of unconscious thought filled with universal symbols (archetypes).
- Archetypes – Universal symbols and themes found in myths, dreams, and cultures (e.g., The Hero, The Shadow, The Wise Old Man).
- Individuation – The process of integrating different aspects of the self to achieve personal wholeness.
- Extroversion & Introversion – A personality theory that became central to modern psychology and personality assessments (like the MBTI).
- Synchronicity – The idea that meaningful coincidences occur beyond mere chance.
Jung’s work had a major influence on psychology, literature, spirituality, and even pop culture. His ideas are still widely discussed and applied today in therapy, philosophy, and creative arts.
