Grounded in the natural philosophy of the Middle Ages, alchemy formed a bridge: on the one hand into the past, to Gnosticism, and on the other into the future, to the modern psychology of the unconscious.
Carl JungRead
If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Before seeking to change a child, reflect on whether the needed change is within ourselves.
This quote by Carl Jung emphasizes the importance of self-reflection when it comes to influencing others, particularly children. It suggests that if we notice something in a child that needs improvement or change, we should first look inwardly to consider whether it is a reflection of our own behaviors or shortcomings that need adjustment before we can expect to see change in them.
Themes
Self-ReflectionParentingChangeChildrenPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
During a parenting workshop discussing effective strategies for child-rearing.
More from Carl Jung
All quotes →The majority of my patients consisted not of believers but of those who had lost their faith.
Carl JungRead
Complexes are psychic contents which are outside the control of the conscious mind. They have been split off from consciousness and lead a separate existence in the unconscious, being at all times ready to hinder or to reinforce the conscious intentions.
Carl JungRead
We are in a far better position to observe instincts in animals or in primitives than in ourselves. This is due to the fact that we have grown accustomed to scrutinizing our own actions and to seeking rational explanations for them.
Carl JungRead
From the viewpoint of analytic psychology, the theatre, aside from any aesthetic value, may be considered as an institution for the treatment of the mass complex.
Carl JungRead
I have treated many hundreds of patients. Among those in the second half of life - that is to say, over 35 - there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life.
Carl JungRead
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