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'Jung believed that the unconscious is not merely the hiding place of demons but the province of angels and ministers of grace, which he called the 'archetypes', symbols of all the inner forces that work toward unity, health, fullness of life, and purposeful conscious development.' - Lewis Mumford, The New Yorker 'His idea of the archetype involves profound attitudes towards man's existence and intimate values through which very many people have found a new significance in their lives.' - R.F. Hobson, Journal of Analytical Psychology
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The concept of the archetype is crucial to Jung's radical interpretation of the human mind. Jung believed that every person partakes of a universal or collective unconscious that persists through generations. The origins of the concept can be traced to his very first publication in 1902 and it remained central to his thought throughout his life. As well as explaining the theoretical background behind the idea, in Four Archetypes Jung describes the four archetypes that he considers fundamental to the psychological make-up of every individual: mother, rebirth, spirit and trickster. Exploring their role in myth, fairytale and scripture, Jung engages the reader in discoveries that challenge and enlighten the ways we perceive ourselves and others.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For those who have never encountered Jung's primary works, rather than the massive body of interpretations, especially New Age, it comes as no surprise, that a permanent mythological dictionary is required at hand before delving deeply into the mysteries this book uncovers!
Also, I was made keenly aware that this book assmumes a prior understanding of Jung's concepts of the anima, eros, and the shadow for instance, and that the chapters are in actual fact extracts from Volume 9 of The Collected Works.
Therefore, if the reader is seeking a precis of Jung's overarching theories or a major delineation of the concept of the archetype - which I was naively led to think would be the case from the book cover - then this book will only ever be an entry point.
More than anything else then, I was left with the impression that this book provides an amazing insight into the mind of a brilliant analytical psychologist (though translated). In particular his elaboration of the figure Kdidr that plays a great role in Islamic mysticism, as a set of symbols outlining the process of tranformation (rebirth), and a "very" detailed psychoanalysis of the animal spirit (wise man) symbolism in a fairy tale about a three-legged horse, both left me wondering at the power of his archetypal interpretations.
However, at the same time I also pondered on how open Jung's radical approach is to allowing the assumption that one cannot assume a disposition and attitude as universal, even his own analysis. But in the introduction to the book, there is an answer, and a credible one at that: one can never know the archetype "..it designates only those psychic contents which have not yet been submitted to conscious elaboration.." The historical formula of the archetype that has evolved through personal consciousness is coloured by individuals, society and culture in the shape of myths, fairy tales and dreams. The question is then, is Jungs personal analysis taken as a gateway to the archetypal realm - a man closer to its understanding than most - or have we accepted at face value his own interpretations as actual archetypal fact too fully, and ignore too readily his "..critical and evaluating influence of conscious elaboration"??
Also, I was made keenly aware that this book assmumes a prior understanding of Jung's concepts of the anima, eros, and the shadow for instance, and that the chapters are in actual fact extracts from Volume 9 of The Collected Works.
Therefore, if the reader is seeking a precis of Jung's overarching theories or a major delineation of the concept of the archetype - which I was naively led to think would be the case from the book cover - then this book will only ever be an entry point.
More than anything else then, I was left with the impression that this book provides an amazing insight into the mind of a brilliant analytical psychologist (though translated). In particular his elaboration of the figure Kdidr that plays a great role in Islamic mysticism, as a set of symbols outlining the process of tranformation (rebirth), and a "very" detailed psychoanalysis of the animal spirit (wise man) symbolism in a fairy tale about a three-legged horse, both left me wondering at the power of his archetypal interpretations.
However, at the same time I also pondered on how open Jung's radical approach is to allowing the assumption that one cannot assume a disposition and attitude as universal, even his own analysis. But in the introduction to the book, there is an answer, and a credible one at that: one can never know the archetype "..it designates only those psychic contents which have not yet been submitted to conscious elaboration.." The historical formula of the archetype that has evolved through personal consciousness is coloured by individuals, society and culture in the shape of myths, fairy tales and dreams. The question is then, is Jungs personal analysis taken as a gateway to the archetypal realm - a man closer to its understanding than most - or have we accepted at face value his own interpretations as actual archetypal fact too fully, and ignore too readily his "..critical and evaluating influence of conscious elaboration"??
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As another reviewer mentioned, this book does assume familiarity with some of Jung's work. A quick trip to wikipedia after each chapter may help put the essays in context, or help with some of the mythological references and allusions that Jung makes. (My mythology was a little bit rusty :-)
This book does not cleanly delineate his major theories and works, and instead is split into four chapters, each dealing with four key archetypes (Mother, Rebirth, Trickster, and Spirit). Those looking for a global perspective on his works may wish to purchase another book.
But do not let this deter you! It was for me an introduction to Jung, and I was struck deeply by his insight. Jung, more than any author that I have encountered, drives straight to the core of what makes us... us. His work is enlightening, and encourages introspection and personal reflection.
The style is informal (it's not a textbook.) and, while not casually, easily read.
Food for thoughts of the best kind that I have yet encountered.
This book does not cleanly delineate his major theories and works, and instead is split into four chapters, each dealing with four key archetypes (Mother, Rebirth, Trickster, and Spirit). Those looking for a global perspective on his works may wish to purchase another book.
But do not let this deter you! It was for me an introduction to Jung, and I was struck deeply by his insight. Jung, more than any author that I have encountered, drives straight to the core of what makes us... us. His work is enlightening, and encourages introspection and personal reflection.
The style is informal (it's not a textbook.) and, while not casually, easily read.
Food for thoughts of the best kind that I have yet encountered.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
a great introduction to Jung
17 Jun 2010
Format:Paperback
Wanting to have a broader understanding of both "Jungian psychology" and the meaning of "archetype" I picked up this slim volume. I was at first a little off-put by the cultural references to "primordial" and "simpler" civilizations and societies, as I was by attitudes towards gender - I needed to take into account the time in which Jung was writing and the relative newness of the discipline. These concerns aside, I was deeply impressed with both Jung's intellect (the book is essentially a collection of his lectures on the topic) and his insights into human psychology.
The four archetypes to which the book refers are the "mother," "the trickster," "rebirth," and "spirit." Jung's initial discussion of the power and ubiquitousness of the mother archetype was simply brilliant, although when he began to apply the archetype to various psychoses and mental "types" I felt he was getting farther and farther off-base. (This, of course with the benefit of behaviouralists like Skinner, Delgado and Milgram.) The lecture on "rebirth" was fascinating from an anthropological perspective as Jung tied together the various experiences and interpretations of "rebirth" from nature, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism as well as institutionalized rebrith (through ritual and unconscious identity). The "spirit" archetype was a bit metaphysical for my tastes, but Jung's classical education (and brilliance) was apparent as he discussed the broader philosophical and occult aspects of the archetype. His disucssion of the "trickster" was the weakes of the lot - I had expected him to disucss the literary and cultural elements of the archetype, but instead the dual role (positive and negative) of the archetype was what was focused on.
The broader idea Jung puts forth: that we have a collective unconscious that ties us to our distant (primordial) past is intriguing - that there is no "Tabula Rasa", but rather all humans (regardless of place of birth of culture) share in the same intuitive view of the world is the basis for his dissertation here. He may be on to something, although I tend to lean more towards Rousseau and Locke on the issue. For those interested in a brief introduction to Jung, I'm tepid about this book. For an understanding of what Jung means by "archetypes" and their function in his broader work, this would be my recommendation.
The four archetypes to which the book refers are the "mother," "the trickster," "rebirth," and "spirit." Jung's initial discussion of the power and ubiquitousness of the mother archetype was simply brilliant, although when he began to apply the archetype to various psychoses and mental "types" I felt he was getting farther and farther off-base. (This, of course with the benefit of behaviouralists like Skinner, Delgado and Milgram.) The lecture on "rebirth" was fascinating from an anthropological perspective as Jung tied together the various experiences and interpretations of "rebirth" from nature, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism as well as institutionalized rebrith (through ritual and unconscious identity). The "spirit" archetype was a bit metaphysical for my tastes, but Jung's classical education (and brilliance) was apparent as he discussed the broader philosophical and occult aspects of the archetype. His disucssion of the "trickster" was the weakes of the lot - I had expected him to disucss the literary and cultural elements of the archetype, but instead the dual role (positive and negative) of the archetype was what was focused on.
The broader idea Jung puts forth: that we have a collective unconscious that ties us to our distant (primordial) past is intriguing - that there is no "Tabula Rasa", but rather all humans (regardless of place of birth of culture) share in the same intuitive view of the world is the basis for his dissertation here. He may be on to something, although I tend to lean more towards Rousseau and Locke on the issue. For those interested in a brief introduction to Jung, I'm tepid about this book. For an understanding of what Jung means by "archetypes" and their function in his broader work, this would be my recommendation.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Important work for undertanding Jung
23 Oct 2008
Format:Paperback
The term "Archetype" has been greatly abused in popular speech. Yet in this monograph, Jung clearly states his ideas in this work well.
The first portion of this work covers the basic ideas of archetypes in general, and looks at how these get played out in variants of the mother complex.
The second portion looks at rebirth in spiritual, mystical, and life experiences. Here he looks at the psychology behind these experiences and I think there is a lot of material to contemplate here.
The third element looks at psycho-cosmological elements of fairy tales and how the idea of the paternal spirit manifests in them. While I personally think Jung's analysis of the three-legged horse is somewhat faulty in this essay, the work as a whole is worth reading.
The last element concerns the trickster. This is a short essay which has perhaps been more influential in popular culture than the other three combined.
These these four essays represent an important and influential piece of Jung's work. I think that this work is a must-read for anyone interested in his ideas and methodology.
The first portion of this work covers the basic ideas of archetypes in general, and looks at how these get played out in variants of the mother complex.
The second portion looks at rebirth in spiritual, mystical, and life experiences. Here he looks at the psychology behind these experiences and I think there is a lot of material to contemplate here.
The third element looks at psycho-cosmological elements of fairy tales and how the idea of the paternal spirit manifests in them. While I personally think Jung's analysis of the three-legged horse is somewhat faulty in this essay, the work as a whole is worth reading.
The last element concerns the trickster. This is a short essay which has perhaps been more influential in popular culture than the other three combined.
These these four essays represent an important and influential piece of Jung's work. I think that this work is a must-read for anyone interested in his ideas and methodology.
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