Observations placeholder
Jung, C G - The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious - Know yourself
Identifier
007030
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A very specific example, but nevertheless part of the overall theme of the need to know yourself. This is an important example, because Jung has brought out the fact that it is pointless assigning moral judgements to roles. A person who may appear destructive may have an absolutely key and essential role to play in the scheme of things. As long as the person understands the role then the effects can only in the longer term be for the good, if he or she doesn't, then the effects may destroy them.
A description of the experience
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious – C G Jung
The woman whose fate it is to be a disturbing element is not solely destructive, the worker of change is herself changed and the glare of the fire she ignites both illuminates and enlightens all the victims, what seems a senseless upheaval becomes a process of purification
So that all that is vain
Might dwindle and wane (Faust Part II)
If a woman of this type remains unconscious of the meaning of her function, if she does not know that she is
Part of that power which would
Ever work evil but engender good (Faust Part I)
she will herself perish by the sword she brings. But consciousness can transform her into a deliverer and a redeemer