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JUNG: whats the most important archetype?

- why?
- what is the self and how does it allow us to seek unity of ones self?

User Estobbart
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Jungian psychology does not distinctly highlight one archetype as the most important, but the 'self' could be considered central to his theory. The 'self' in Jungian theory encompasses the total, unified personality, and engaging with it allows individuals to seek unity and balance in their lives by integrating various archetypes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carl Jung, a notable psychologist, introduced the concept of archetypes which are universal, archaic symbols and images that derive from the collective unconscious. Among these, it is challenging to pinpoint a single most important archetype, as their significance may vary based on individual experience and cultural context. However, some might argue that the 'self' is one of the central concerns of Jung’s work on archetypes.

The 'self' represents the unified subconscious and conscious of a person. In Jungian theory, the self is not just a center but also the whole personality, which includes consciousness, the unconscious, and the ego. The process of self-realization is essential for individuals to seek unity within their personality aspects, integrating the various archetypes and achieving a balanced sense of wholeness. This integration is a lifelong process aimed at recognizing and reconciling the different parts of the self, which includes both universally shared and individual experiences.

User Norio Yamamoto
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