“The fact that a man who goes his own way ends in ruin means nothing ... He must obey his own law, as if it were a daemon whispering to him of new and wonderful paths ... There are not a few who are called awake by the summons of the voice, whereupon they are at once set apart from the others, feeling themselves confronted with a problem about which the others know nothing. In most cases it is impossible to explain to the others what has happened, for any understanding is walled off by impenetrable prejudices. "You are no different from anybody else," they will chorus or, "there's no such thing," and even if there is such a thing, it is immediately branded as "morbid"...He is at once set apart and isolated, as he has resolved to obey the law that commands him from within. "His own law!" everybody will cry. But he knows better: it is the law...The only meaningful life is a life that strives for the individual realization — absolute and unconditional— of its own particular law ... To the extent that a man is untrue to the law of his being ... he has failed to realize his own life's meaning.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Carl Jung, he emphasizes the importance of following one's own path and obeying the inner voice that guides us towards our true purpose. Jung suggests that those who are called to a different path are often misunderstood and isolated by society, but it is crucial for them to stay true to their unique calling. By obeying the "law" within us, we can achieve a meaningful life and fulfill our true potential.
Modern Relevance of Carl Jung's Perspective on Individualism
In today's society, the message conveyed by Carl Jung about the importance of following one's unique path and inner calling remains highly relevant. In a world that often values conformity and uniformity, Jung's words serve as a reminder of the significance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one's own authentic purpose. This idea of individual self-realization is especially important in a time where social pressures and external expectations can often cloud one's true desires and identity.
Example of Usage:
In his classic work "Modern Man in Search of a Soul", Carl Jung discusses the importance of following one's own path and obeying one's inner law. He emphasizes the idea that each individual must strive for the realization of their own unique purpose in life. Jung's words highlight the significance of authenticity and self-discovery in achieving a meaningful existence.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on the quote by Carl Jung, consider the following questions to delve deeper into the concept of following one's own path and individual realization:
- Have you ever felt called to go your own way, despite what others may think or say?
- How do you interpret the idea of obeying your own law or inner voice, even when faced with opposition or doubts from others?
- Do you believe that there is a universal law or truth guiding each individual's life, as Jung suggests?
- Have you ever experienced a sense of isolation or being set apart from others due to following your own path?
- How can you strive for the absolute and unconditional realization of your own life's meaning and purpose?
- In what ways have you been true or untrue to the law of your being, and how has this impacted your sense of fulfillment and meaning in life?
- Reflect on a time when you felt true to yourself and your internal guidance. How did that experience shape your understanding of who you are and your purpose in life?
Similar quotes
“But what will he do when he sees only too clearly why his patient is ill; when he sees that it arises from his having no love, but only sexuality; no faith, because he is afraid to grope in the dark; no hope, because he is disillusioned by the world and by life; and no understanding, because he has failed to read the meaning of his own existence?”
“That is why each of us has to find out for himself what is permitted and what is forbidden--forbidden for him. It's possible for one never to transgress a single law and still be a bastard. And vise versa. Actually it's only a question of convenience. Those who are too lazy and comfortable to think for themselves and be their own judges obey the laws. Others sense their own laws within them; things are forbidden to them that every honorable man will do any day in the year and other things are allowed to them that are generally despised. Each person must stand on his own feet.”
“Those who are too lazy and comfortable to think for themselves and be their own judges obey the laws. Others sense their own laws within them.”
“Every man should have laws of his own, I should think; commandments of his own, for every man has a different set of circumstances wherein to work - or worry.”
“The purpose of man's creation is that he do good in the world, not substitutehimself for God and think that he can make and unmake the moral law at his ownconvenience and for his own selfish and narrow ends. This is the difference betweenphysical laws and the moral law—the one is to be used and put to service; the othermust be obeyed and served. For God says”
“The source of man's rights is not divine law or a congressional law, but the law of identity. A is A ___ and man is man. Rights are conditions of existence required by man's nature for his proper survival. If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to use his mind, it is right to act on his own free judgment, it is right to work for his values and to keep the product for his work. If life on earth is his purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: nature forbids him the irrational”