The Meaning of Self-knowledge

Notes and quotes from the final chapter of Jung's "The Undiscovered Self" The meaning of Self-knowledge.

The unconscious is not inferior and merely negative. It contains potentialities of great dynamism. Whether these potentialities if realised tend towards construction or catastrophe depends upon the attributes of the conscious mind.

The spiritual transformation of mankind cannot be hurried or held up. It will not come to fruition in a single generation. Individuals who have been transformed will influence others. Not by persuading or preaching but by the "fact that anyone who has insight into his own actions, and has thus found access to the unconscious, involuntarily exercises an influence on his environment." (page 76)

The unconscious "compensates the attitude of the conscious mind and anticipates changes to come." (page 77)

"All our social goals commit the error of overlooking the psychology of the person for whom they are intended and - very often - of promoting only his illusions." (page 79)