Book Review - The Portable Jung
As a collection of Jung's most influential writings, The Portable Jung offers readers a unique and comprehensive overview of his ideas, making it an excellent starting point for those who are new to Jungian psychology. Compared to some of his other works, such as "Man and His Symbols" or "The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious," which are more extensive and in-depth, The Portable Jung provides a more concise and accessible introduction to Jung's key concepts and theories.
While some of Jung's other books may delve into specific topics in greater detail, The Portable Jung covers a wide range of themes, including dreams, mythology, religion, and the self, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of Jung's multifaceted approach to psychology. It presents a curated selection of Jung's writings, carefully chosen to provide readers with a cohesive and coherent overview of his theories, making it a great choice for readers who are looking for a comprehensive introduction to Jung's ideas without delving into lengthy volumes.
Moreover, The Portable Jung is particularly notable for its accessibility. Jung's writing can be complex and scholarly at times, but in this collection, he manages to convey his ideas in a more approachable manner, making it more accessible to readers who may be new to Jungian psychology or have limited background knowledge in psychology or philosophy. This makes The Portable Jung an excellent entry point for readers who are interested in Jung's work but may find some of his other books more challenging.
Additionally, The Portable Jung is a curated selection of Jung's writings, organized thematically, which allows readers to explore specific topics of interest or dive into the book as a whole. This structure makes it easy to navigate and find relevant information, which can be particularly beneficial for readers who are looking for a concise yet comprehensive overview of Jung's work.
In summary, The Portable Jung stands out as a concise and accessible introduction to the ideas of one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. While it may not provide the same level of depth and detail as some of Jung's other works, it offers readers a well-organised and curated selection of his writings, making it a valuable resource for those interested in delving into the complexities of the human psyche through Jungian psychology.
Marie-Louise Von Franz
In the view of Jungian psychology, we are living today through a crucial transition: a period of reaction against cultural and religious forms that have become rigid and cut off from the creative wellspring of the collective conscious. The hidden significance of this "psychic emergency" is that it spurs the development of human consciousness on toward a spiritual rebirth.