As an introduction to one of the twentieth century's greatest thinkers, Modern Man in Search of a Soul succeeds superbly in both opening up the world of psychoanalysis and analytic psychology to the new reader, and in simultaneously addressing itself to the defining problem of mankind in modern society.
A selection of essays, drawn mostly from Jung's lectures it provides his opinions on a range of subjects from the differences between him and Freud, the relationship between psychology and literature and on the nature of archaic man. Jung's analytical psychology encompasses as much philosophy and theology as it does conventional science. This is because Jung the doctor tried to understand his patients through whatever means were most effective, and this collection of essays is a reflection of both his typical grounding in everyday common sense and at the same time, his impressively wide-ranging and open mindset. Nietzsche, Goethe, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus and Christ all make an appearance and ensure that the book is entertaining, as do Jung's numerous references to history, mythology and his own personal experiences. His writing style is, moreover clear and lucid.
It is a testament to the depth of his mind that, the conclusions recorded here appear all the more relevant and pertinent today, despite being seventy years old. Indeed, Jung's identification of man's soul with the psyche, and his bridging of the gap between scientific, philosophical and religious understandings of the world remain among the most 'modern' of interpretations of life available to us. Modern Man lacks some of the brilliant insights that fill Man and His Symbols, and it provides only cursory treatment of Jung's fascinating dream-analysis; but it is intended only as an introduction aimed at grabbing the attention of lay readers new to psychoanalysis; and at this it succeeds admirably.
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