11 Carl Jung Best Books - Book Review Buffs (2022)

This review of Carl Jung Best Books is intended to provide you with an overview of some of Jung’s most famous and important works. Jung was a Swiss psychologist who founded the school of analytical psychology. He is considered to be one of the most influential psychologists of all time.

One of Jung’s most famous works is the book “The Psychology of the Unconscious.” This work explored the concept of the unconscious mind, which is a part of the human psyche that is not accessible to the conscious thought. The book was published in 1912 and was very controversial at the time

Carl Jung Best Books to collect

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. His work has been influential in psychiatry, anthropology, archaeology, literature, philosophy and religious studies. Jung’s book “The Structure of the Psyche” is one of the most important works in analytical psychology. In it, he discusses his theory of the structure of the human psyche, which is composed of three parts: the ego, personal unconscious and collective unconscious.

1. Man and His Symbols

In Man and His Symbols, Carl Jung discusses the various symbols that appear in dreams, art, and religion. He argues that these symbols represent the innermost desires and fears of humans, and that understanding them can provide insights into the human psyche.

Jung also discusses the archetypes, universal symbols that appear in myths and stories across cultures. He argues that these symbols represent the instinctual desires and fears of humans, and that understanding them can provide insights into human behavior.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, as it provides insights into the inner workings of the human mind. It is also a fascinating read for anyone interested in mythology and religion.

2. The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious

The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious by Carl Jung is a book about the different archetypes that exist within the human psyche and their meanings. Jung discusses the different archetypes that he has observed in his patients’ dreams and fantasies, as well as the universal symbols that are associated with them.

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He also explores the role of the collective unconscious in human behavior and its impact on culture. The book is an important contribution to the fields of psychology and archeology.

The book is a dense read, but it provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the human mind. It’s especially interesting to read in light of recent research into the role of the brain in shaping behavior. For anyone interested in psychology or cognition, this is a must-read book.

3. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology

In the book, Jung discusses his theories on the human psyche and how it functions. He believes that the psyche is divided into three parts: the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. The ego is the conscious mind, while the personal unconscious is made up of memories and experiences that have been repressed or forgotten.

The collective unconscious is a storehouse of all the knowledge and experience that humanity has acquired over the centuries. Jung also believes that the psyche is in a constant state of flux, and that it is constantly changing as we learn new things and encounter new experiences.

Overall, I found Jung’s book to be a fascinating read. It provides a comprehensive overview of his theories on the human psyche, and it’s a must-read for anyone interested in psychology or the human mind.

4. Modern Man In Search of a Soul

In this book, Carl Jung discusses the concept of the “modern man.” He argues that modern man is in search of a soul, and that this quest is what drives him. Jung explores the different aspects of the soul and how they manifest in the modern world. He also provides insights into the psychology of modern man and offers ways to find meaning in life.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the essence of the modern age. Jung’s insights are penetrating and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the world we live in. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world, then this book is for you.

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5. The Psychology of the Transference

The Psychology of the Transference is a book by Carl Jung that discusses the process of transferring emotions, thoughts, and memories from one person to another. It explains how this process can be used to improve relationships and help people understand themselves better. The book includes case studies of patients who underwent Jung’s therapy methods.

In The Psychology of the Transference, Carl Jung discusses the process of transferring emotions, thoughts, and memories from one person to another. He explains how this process can be used to improve relationships and help people understand themselves better. The book includes case studies of patients who underwent Jung’s therapy methods.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, relationships, and self-understanding. It provides a detailed look at the process of transferring emotions and offers concrete ways to use this information to improve one’s life. The case studies are interesting and provide valuable insights into the human mind.

6. Memories, Dreams, Reflections

Memories, Dreams, Reflections is a book written by Carl Jung. The book is a compilation of his memories, dreams, and reflections from his life. Jung discusses many different topics such as religion, philosophy, and psychology. He provides readers with an in-depth look at his life and how his experiences have shaped the way he thinks.

One of the most interesting aspects of Memoirs, Dreams, and Reflections is Jung’s discussion of his analysis of Freud. Jung was one of Freud’s students, but he eventually became critical of some of Freud’s theories. Jung felt that Freud overemphasized the importance of the sexual instinct in human behavior.

Jung’s memoirs offer readers a fascinating look at the development of psychology. Memoirs, Dreams, and Reflections is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology or Freud’s theories.

7. The Red Book

The Red Book is a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung that was first published in 2009. The book is a collection of artwork and writings from Jung’s personal journals, which he kept between 1914 and1930. The Red Book documents Jung’s exploration of his own mind, and his journey towards self-discovery.

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Jung was experiencing a period of great personal and professional turmoil when he began writing The Red Book. His wife had left him, he was struggling with depression, and his career was in decline. However, Jung believed that it was important to explore these difficult feelings, and to not suppress them. He felt that it was only by confronting his darkest thoughts and emotions that he could truly understand himself.

The Red Book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, self-discovery, or art. It provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the most influential psychologists of all time.

8. Psychological Types

Psychological Types is a book by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, that discusses the psychological types of people. The book discusses the different personality types and how they are related to each other. Jung also discusses the different functions of each type and how they are used.

The book is a great resource for understanding the different psychological types of people. It can help you identify your own personality type and the personality types of the people around you. It can also help you understand how to better interact with different personality types.

If you are looking to understand yourself and the people around you better, then Psychological Types is a must-read. Jung’s discussions of the different personality types and how they interact is insightful and can help you better understand yourself and others. The book is also a great resource for understanding the different functions of each type. If you are looking to improve your relationships with others, then Psychological Types can be a valuable tool.

9. Symbols of Transformation

This book is about the process of psychological transformation. It discusses the different symbols that can appear in dreams and other forms of expression. These symbols can be interpreted to show the individual’s current state of psychological development. The book also includes a section on analytical psychology, which is Jung’s approach to psychology.

One of the main goals of analytical psychology is to help people understand their unconscious mind. The unconscious mind contains all of the memories and experiences that the individual has not been aware of. This can include things that have been forgotten or repressed because they are too painful or embarrassing. The unconscious mind also contains the person’s intuition and creative potential.

This book is a must-read because it provides an in-depth look at the process of psychological transformation. It also includes a section on analytical psychology, which is Jung’s approach to psychology. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand their dreams and psychological development.

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10. Aion

Aion is a book written by Carl Jung that explores the concept of the divine child. The book dives deep into the psychology of religion and delves into the idea of a higher power. Aion is a dense read, but it is crammed full of interesting information on the topic of religion. If you are interested in learning more about Jung’s thoughts on religion, then Aion is a book for you.

Jung’s book, Aion, explores the concept of the divine child. This child is seen as someone who is innately good and possesses qualities that are beyond those of a normal human being. Jung believes that the divine child represents our highest potential as humans and that we should all strive to become like this child.

Aion is a dense read, but it is crammed full of interesting information on the topic of religion. If you are interested in learning more about Jung’s thoughts on religion, then Aion is the book for you.

11. Psychology and Religion

This book is a compilation of essays that Jung wrote between 1910 and 1916. In these essays, Jung discusses the psychological implications of religious beliefs and practices. He argues that religion is not simply a matter of belief, but that it has a significant impact on psychological well-being. Jung also discusses the archetypes, which are universal patterns of behavior that are expressed in religious myths and symbols.

In the first essay, Jung discusses the psychological effects of religious conversion. He argues that religious conversion can be a powerful tool for self-transformation. In the second essay, Jung discusses the power of religious symbols. He argues that religious symbols have the ability to create archetypes, which are patterns of behavior that are expressed in religious myths and symbols.

This book is a must-read because it provides a comprehensive overview of Jung’s thoughts on religion and its psychological implications. Jung’s insights are valuable for anyone who is interested in the relationship between psychology and religion.

Carl Jung best books to start

At the end of this list, you should have a good idea about which Carl Jung best books may be best for your needs. However, if anything is still unclear or you want to know more information on any particular book before making a purchase decision, please feel free contact me directly. I’d love to hear from you and help answer any questions that come up.

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If I were asked by a beginner what work to start with among Jung’s oeuvre, I would suggest The Undiscovered Self first, followed by Jung’s memoir, and C.G. Jung Speaking. These would give a basic sense of both the man and his perspective.

What is Carl Jung’s most important work? ›

The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious is one of Jung’s central works. There are many illustrations in full colour. Psychological Types is one of Jung’s most important and most famous works.

What is Carl Jung MBTI? ›

The MBTI is based on the influential theory of psychological types proposed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in 1921, who had speculated that people experience the world using four principal psychological functions—sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking—and that one of these four functions is dominant for a person …

What are the four major archetypes according to Jung? ›

Jung claimed to identify a large number of archetypes but paid special attention to four. Jung labeled these archetypes the Self, the Persona, the Shadow and the Anima/Animus.

Why is Jung hard reading? ›

Carl Jung Books are challenging to read, especially in the beginning because he’s talking about things most people have never thought about. And his books are even more difficult to read if you start out with the misconception that you already know what he’s saying.

What language did Jung wrote in? ›

He wrote in academic German, for doctors, psychologists and many other educated people. Most people who study Jung start with the book Man and His Symbols. It was written by colleagues of Jung so that people would be able understand him.

What are Jung’s 12 archetypes? ›

Twelve archetypes have been proposed for use with branding: Sage, Innocent, Explorer, Ruler, Creator, Caregiver, Magician, Hero, Outlaw, Lover, Jester, and Regular Person.

What are the four stages of individuation? ›

The four stages or phases chosen for the individuation process are: the persona, the shadow, the anima, and the self. and the phase and Homer’s The Odyssey and the character of Odysseus.

Is Jungian psychology used today? ›

Today, some therapists still use Jungian therapy. It can be helpful for people who are struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Because it focuses on the whole person, not just their symptoms, it can be helpful for people who haven’t found success with other therapies.

Was Jung INFJ or INTJ? ›

According to John Beebe, Jung’s type was INTJ. Jung described himself as an introverted intuitive thinking type. One must keep in mind his model had 8 personality types, not the 16 types developed under MBTI.

What Celebrities are INTP? ›

43 Famous People & Celebrities with INTP Personality Type

Tina Fey. An American comedian, actress, producer, writer, and playwright, Tina Fey became famous for her role on Saturday Night Live. …
Bill Gates. …
Albert Einstein. …
William James. …
Abraham Lincoln. …
Louis Theroux. …
Paul Allen. …
Rowan Atkinson.

Should I read Freud before Jung? ›

Freud would be better to read first as he developed much of the basis of Jung’s work such as the unconscious; although they both have largely differing opinions on the unconscious.

Is Jesus an archetype? ›

We can believe in Jesus as the historical expression of the ultimate archetype, the divine hero. We can believe that his embodiment of that archetype is a paradigm for our own humanity. We can believe that Christianity is a way of living, rather than a way of believing.

Is Jungian analysis effective? ›

Several studies indicated that Jungian treatment not only improved severe symptoms, but also increased overall psychological wellbeing. Typically these changes occur within 90 sessions, demonstrating that Jungian psychotherapy is effective and cost-effective.

Why did Jung and Freud disagree? ›

Freud, in particular, was unhappy with Jung’s disagreement with some of the key concepts and ideas of Freudian theory. For example, Jung disagreed with Freud’s focus on sexuality as a key motivating behavioural force, as well as believing Freud’s concept of the unconscious as too limited and overly negative.

Why Jung is so important? ›

Jung proposed and developed the concepts of the extraverted and the introverted personality, archetypes, and the collective unconscious. His work has been influential in psychiatry and in the study of religion, literature, and related fields.

Why is Carl Jung so important? ›

Carl Jung founded the field of analytical psychology and, along with Sigmund Freud, was responsible for popularizing the idea that a person’s interior life merited not just attention but dedicated exploration — a notion that has since propelled tens of millions of people into psychotherapy.

What is a Jungian therapist? ›

Find vetted therapists who practice Jungian Therapy

Jungian therapy is a type of in-depth, talk-based psychoanalytic therapy. During therapy, you are encouraged to explore, and bring together, the unconscious and conscious aspects of your experience.

Was Carl Jung a mystic? ›

Jung’s interest in philosophy and spiritual subjects led many to view him as a mystic, although his preference was to be seen as a man of science; Jung was, unlike Freud, heavily knowledgeable on philosophical concepts and aimed to link the branch of epistemology to the more modern theories of psychology.

What does Jung mean? ›

The name Jung is pronounced “young,” and Jungian sounds like “youngian.” Jungian psychology is also called “analytical,” and though Jung began his career as a follower of Sigmund Freud, his ideas were quite different.

How do you pronounce Jung? ›

How to Pronounce Jung – YouTube

What is the ego according to Jung? ›

The ego. Jung saw the ego as the centre of the field of consciousness which contains our conscious awareness of existing and a continuing sense of personal identity. It is the organiser of our thoughts and intuitions, feelings, and sensations, and has access to memories which are not repressed.

What is the shadow according to Jung? ›

The shadow is an archetype that consists of the sex and life instincts. The shadow exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.

What brand archetype is Coca Cola? ›

With popular brand messages like “It’s a real thing” and “open happiness”, the Coca-Cola brand is the perfect example of the innocent archetype. Often depicting moments of simplicity, Coca-Cola encourages consumers to find fulfillment in the everyday moments that matter like spending time with family and friends.

At what age does individuation occur? ›

The most apparent signs of individuation may show up around age 11 or 12, or they may appear much later. If your child is strongly attached to you, they may not individuate much until college. Health issues, major life events, and other disruptions can also change the individuation timeline.

What triggers individuation? ›

Individuation begins in infants, who gradually begin spending increasing amounts of time away from their mother. This process accelerates during adolescence, when a child begins to explore their identity further as they gain more freedom to act autonomously.

How do I find my shadow self? ›

How to Find Your Shadow Self

Pay attention to your dreams and nightmares.
Use shadow work prompts in a journal to understand your core beliefs, thoughts, and feelings.
Talk to a therapist or counselor about the things that bother you.
Look for patterns of behavior that you don’t like in yourself.

How long does it take to become a Jungian analyst? ›

Although each person’s path through the program is unique, training generally takes between five and eight years.

How do you practice Jungian psychology? ›

Jungian psychology is practiced through a form of analytical talk therapy….

Some of these techniques are:

Confession and catharsis.
Assessing personality type.
Dream interpretation.
Dream journaling.
Creative Experiences.

What is the difference between Freudian and Jungian psychology? ›

What is the difference between Freud and Jung? Both Freud and Jung believed that the human psyche is made up of three components. While Freud divided the psyche the unconscious, preconscious, and the conscious, Jung divided as the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious.

Why are INTJs so misunderstood? ›

INTJs are often misunderstood simply because there are so few of them around. Making up only 2.1% of the US population, they understand the world in a fundamentally different way than most other types. While the rest of the world looks first to tangible data, INTJs follow symbols and underlying meanings first.

What are Jung’s 8 personality types? ›

Jung identified eight main personality types:

Extraverted Thinking. Principled, idealistic, objective, rational.
Introverted Thinking. Influenced by ideas, independent, often fearful of intimacy.
Extraverted Feeling. …
Introverted Feeling. …
Extraverted Sensation. …
Introverted Sensation. …
Extraverted Intuition. …
Introverted Intuition.

What is an INTJ personality like? ›

INTJs tend to be introverted and prefer to work alone. They’re self-confident and hard-working, which is a strength. However, it can also be a weakness as they may come across as insensitive or callous. An INTJ looks at the big picture and likes to focus on abstract information rather than concrete details.

Are INTPs smart? ›

INTPs want to understand the world in all its glorious complexity, and love using others as a sounding board for their brilliant ideas and theories. Some might describe the INTP as the smartest personality type—rational, creative, and ceaselessly curious.

Who should INTP marry? ›

Who should an INTP marry? The best matches for an INTP are ENTJs, ENTPs, and ESTJs. ENTJs and ENTPs are leaders and can handle some of the stress and decision-making that comes with relationships better than INTPs.

What is INTP best at? ›

Because they enjoy theoretical and abstract concepts, INTPs often do particularly well in science-related careers. They are logical and have strong reasoning skills, but are also excellent at thinking creatively. INTPs can be very independent and place a great deal of emphasis on personal freedom and autonomy.

What did Jung say about Freud? ›

Jung thought of Freud as “extremely intelligent, shrewd and altogether remarkable,” and Freud considered Jung his peer, even calling him “my eldest son,” and deeming him heir to his psychoanalytic process.

How do I read Carl Jung books? ›

Carl Jung

Was Freud friends with Jung? ›

Two years after Freud and Jung finally met, the duo toured the U.S. together, which culminated in what the American Psychological Association calls “the most famous conference in the history of American psychology.” Despite the mutual affinity the men shared for each other, their friendship was short-lived.

What does Jung mean by symbols? ›

For Jung, symbols are language or images that convey, by means of concrete reality, something hidden or unknown. They have a numinous quality only dimly perceived by the conscious mind. These symbols can never be fully understood by the conscious mind.

What is an archetypal image? ›

Archetypal images, as universal patterns or motifs which come from the collective unconscious, are the basic content of religions, mythologies, legends and fairy tales. An archetypal content expresses itself, first and foremost, in metaphors.

Where does the word archetype come from? ›

Archetype comes from the Greek verb archein (“to begin” or “to rule”) and the noun typos (“type”). Archetype has specific uses in the fields of philosophy and psychology.

What is Jungian therapy best? ›

Jungian therapy can help improve the lives of those with depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, relationship or trauma issues, low self-esteem, or other emotional problems.

How much does Jungian analysis cost? ›

A: The general price range is from $100-$200 US per session hour (however your particular therapist may offer sliding scale fees below this rate).

How many Jungian analysts are there in the world? ›

Wallerstein, a Freudian analyst and former president of the International Psychoanalytic Association, says, Jungian analysis “has endured worldwide as an alternative therapeutic system.” Today, there are approximately 2,500 Jungian analysts around the world. Jung was an early colleague of Sigmund Freud.

What are Jung’s 4 major archetypes? ›

Jung claimed to identify a large number of archetypes but paid special attention to four. Jung labeled these archetypes the Self, the Persona, the Shadow and the Anima/Animus.

What did Jung think dreams were? ›

Jung saw dreams as the psyche’s attempt to communicate important things to the individual, and he valued them highly, perhaps above all else, as a way of knowing what was really going on. Dreams are also an important part of the development of the personality – a process that he called individuation.

Was Carl Jung religious? ›

Jung believed religion was a profound, psychological response to the unknown — both the inner self and the outer worlds — and he understood Christianity to be a profound meditation on the meaning of the life of Jesus of Nazareth within the context of Hebrew spirituality and the Biblical worldview.

How do you become a Jungian psychologist? ›

To become a Certified Jungian Analyst, candidates must complete extensive training at an institute approved by the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP). The Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts is unique among IAAP approved training institutes.

How do I start Freud? ›

How should you approach Freud, then? Here’s how: You can start with The Psychopathology of Everyday Life, which was published in 1904, five years after The Interpretation of Dreams. The main purpose of reading this book first is that it consists of familiar, day-to-day situations and are explained accordingly.

What is the meaning of undiscovered self? ›

The undiscovered self is an aspect of human existence that should be accessed so that we can gain self-knowledge and resist ideological fanaticism. To be able to do this, we must face the duality of the human psyche, and acknowledge the factions of both good and evil in us, and ‘hold’ the opposites in balance.

What is a Jungian therapist? ›

Find vetted therapists who practice Jungian Therapy

Do you have to have a PHD to be a Jungian analyst? ›

Most Jungian analyst programs require a doctorate, but you may be able to apply to some if you only have your master’s.

Is Jungian therapy effective? ›

Effectiveness. A 2013 review study of the effectiveness of Jungian therapy showed significant improvements in the level of symptoms, interpersonal problems, and personality structure. 3 These improvements remained for a period of up to six years.

How much does Jungian analysis cost? ›

Typically, Jungian analysts work in private practice, though they may occasionally be found in clinics or hospitals. Depending on the region in which they practice, their fees can range from $100 to $300 per session.

Should I read Freud before Jung? ›

Freud would be better to read first as he developed much of the basis of Jung’s work such as the unconscious; although they both have largely differing opinions on the unconscious.

What is Freud’s most important book? ›

Introduction to Psychoanalysis (1917)

As one of Freud’s most famous books, Introduction to Psychoanalysis (or Vorlesungen zur Einführung in die Psychoanalyse), Freud outlines his theory of psychoanalysis including the unconscious mind, the theory of neuroses and dreams. The preface, written by G.

Why should you read Freud? ›

Reading Freud shows how we can go about pursuing a question. The intellectual moves he makes in his writing, his use of examples, his use of analogies, and his relentless desire to theorize and to connect observations across domains are all immensely instructive.

What is the theme of the book Undiscovered Self? ›

“The Undiscovered Self” (1957) integrates many of Jung’s lifelong social and psychological concerns and addresses the uneasy relation between the individual and mass society. The survival of civilization, he maintains, depends on individual awareness of both the conscious and unconscious aspects of the human psyche.

How many books Jung wrote? ›

Carl Jung

When was the undiscovered self published? ›

Gegenwart und Zukunft / Originally published

Is CBT a Jungian? ›

Jungian psychology is a depth psychology. This means that it works with the unconscious in order provide psychological healing and growth. This is as opposed to cognitive behavioural therapies which concentrate on the workings of the conscious mind.

What is Jungian therapy best? ›

Jungian therapy can help improve the lives of those with depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, relationship or trauma issues, low self-esteem, or other emotional problems.

What techniques are used in Jungian therapy? ›

In addition to talking, your therapist may use various techniques, such as dream journaling and interpretation, and creative experiences likes art, movement, or music, to encourage self-expression and release your imagination.

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