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
In my case Pilgrim's Progress consisted in my having to climb down a thousand ladders until I could reach out my hand to the little clod of earth that I am.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The journey of self-discovery is often complex and requires overcoming many challenges.
Carl Jung's quote reflects on the profound journey of self-discovery, suggesting that one's path to understanding oneself often involves navigating through numerous challenges and obstacles. The metaphor of climbing down a thousand ladders symbolizes the struggles and trials faced in life, while reaching out to the 'little clod of earth' represents the humble acknowledgment of our true nature and existence.
Themes
Self-DiscoveryChallengesHumilityJourneyLife Lessons
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire students during a graduation speech, emphasizing the complexities of personal growth.
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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