Product Description

Modern Man in Search of a Soul is the perfect introduction to the theories and concepts of one of the most original and influential religious thinkers of the twentieth century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51999 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Review
'He was more than a psychological or scientific phenomenon; he was to my mind one of the greatest religious phenomena the world has ever experienced.' - Laurens van der Post

'His psychological approach is deeply interesting and should stimulate many who are today more ready to trust a doctor than a clergyman, to help them to rediscover the meaning of life.' - The Guardian

'Jung was the first to see that, of all the crises facing humanity, the lack of any sense of meaning in life is the crisis that guarantees all the rest. Whether the reader self-defines as modern, late modern of post-modern, the predicament that Jung lays out in bleak detail still strikes a chord. His suggestion that any possible solutions - political ecological, philosophical or religious - must include and respect elements of what lies deep within the psyche ('the soul') continues to challenge and to inspire.' - Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex

'This slim volume contains the quintessence of Jung's thinking. Originally published in 1933, it was the first readily accessible presentation in English of the great psychologist's basic ideas about psychotherapy, dream interpretation, psychological types, the stages of life and his differences with Sigmund Freud. His observations on the relationship between the archaic man and modern man anticipate those of contemporary evolutionary psychiatry, while his diagnosis of what ails western culture has been endorsed by subsequent history. An invaluable book for those seeking an introduction to Jungian psychology, expressed - with unusual clarity - in the master's own words.' - Anthony Stevens

From the Back Cover
Modern Man in Search of a Soul is the perfect introduction to the theories and concepts of one of the most original and influential religious thinkers of the twentieth century. Lively and insightful, it covers all of his most significant themes, including mans need for a God and the mechanics of dream analysis. One of his most famous books, it perfectly captures the feelings of confusion that many sense today. Generation X might be a recent concept, but Jung spotted its forerunner over half a century ago. For anyone seeking meaning in todays world, Modern Man in Search of a Soul is a must.

About the Author
Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). Founded the analytical school of psychology and developed a radical new theory of the unconscious.

Customer Reviews

Excellent introduction to a great modern thinker
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.

Great place to begin with Jung in his own words
I had avoided reading this because I felt that Jung could be mystical and obscure in comparison to Freud or other analysts.

After reading the brilliant dual introduction to Freud and Jung by Anthony Storr and Anthony Stevens I looked afresh for a source of Jung in his own words and I believe this is the best place to begin.

Here are the essentials on dream analysis, the distinguishing features of Jung's psychology (modest in tone, acknowledging its limits, with an emphasis upon later life, crisis and spiritual malaise, creativity as an outlet), any mystical/religious content is contexualised by the selection of essays and topics.

The pace, concepts and writing style are untrying and as a consequence it should or could have appeal to the general reader. I found it easier to read and understand after having read Steven's introduction to Jung but its not essential to do so. There is a good contents page but there is no accompanying index.