Modern Man in Search of a Soul

by C.G. Jung

The unconscious itself does not harbour explosive materials, but it may become explosive owing to the repressions exercised by a self-sufficient, or cowardly, conscious outlook.

It is therefore advisable, for the purposes of therapy, to look for the meaning of symbols as they relate to the conscious situation—in other words, to treat them as if they were not fixed.

The dream speaks in images, and gives expression to instincts, that are derived from the most primitive levels of nature.

we not merely keep a content consciously private, but we conceal it even from ourselves.

It then splits off from consciousness as an independent complex, to lead a separate existence in the unconscious, where it can be neither corrected nor interfered with by the conscious mind.

In general, therefore, an unconscious secret is more harmful than one that is conscious.

From this kind of self-restraint come our well-known ugly moods and the irritability of the over-virtuous.

When emotion is withheld it tends to isolate and disturb us quite as much as an unconscious secret, and is equally guilt-laden.

one form of neurosis is conditioned by the predominance of secrets, and another by the predominance of restrained emotions.