Jung's most profound contribution may be his restoration of myth as essential to human flourishing, not primitive superstition to be outgrown. He declares, 'No science will ever replace myth, and a myth cannot be made out of any science.' Myths provide what rationality cannot: a living connection to the archetypal dimensions of existence that give life meaning. Jung's own life became his personal myth—a story of encountering and integrating unconscious forces rather than a mere sequence of events. This perspective revolutionizes how we understand mental health: neurosis often stems from 'mythlessness,' the absence of a meaningful narrative framework. By reconnecting with mythic thinking through dreams, active imagination, and symbolic life, individuals rediscover their place in a larger cosmic story. Jung's autobiography itself demonstrates this principle—presenting his life as myth rather than history. | Carl Jung | Memories, Dreams, Reflections

Feed Hungry Minds, One Idea at a Time.

The Necessity of Myth for Psychological Health

Jung's most profound contribution may be his restoration of myth as essential to human flourishing, not primitive superstition to be outgrown. He declares, 'No science will ever replace myth, and a myth cannot be made out of any science.' Myths provide what rationality cannot: a living connection to the archetypal dimensions of existence that give life meaning. Jung's own life became his personal myth—a story of encountering and integrating unconscious forces rather than a mere sequence of events. This perspective revolutionizes how we understand mental health: neurosis often stems from 'mythlessness,' the absence of a meaningful narrative framework. By reconnecting with mythic thinking through dreams, active imagination, and symbolic life, individuals rediscover their place in a larger cosmic story. Jung's autobiography itself demonstrates this principle—presenting his life as myth rather than history.

-- Carl Jung