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The communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth…

“The communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth (which we call an illusion, in the vain hope that our superior judgment will make it disappear). It is the time-hallowed archetypal dream of Golden Age (or Paradise) where everything is provided in abundance for everyone, and a great, just and…” quote by Carl Gustav Jung
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““The communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth (which we call an illusion, in the vain hope that our superior judgment will make it disappear). It is the time-hallowed archetypal dream of Golden Age (or Paradise) where everything is provided in abundance for everyone, and a great, just and wise chief rules over the human kindergarten. This powerful archetype in its infantile form has gripped them, but it will never disappear from the world at the mere sight of our superior points of view. We even support it by our own childishness, for our Western civilization is in the grip of the same mythology. Unconsciously, we cherish the same prejudices, hopes, and expectations. We too believe in the welfare state, in universal peace, in the equality of man, in his eternal human rights, in justice, truth, and (do not say it too loudly) in the Kingdom of God on Earth. The sad truth is that man's real life consists of a complex and inexorable opposites - day and night, birth and death, happiness and misery, good and evil. We are not even sure that one will prevail against the other, that good will overcome evil, or joy defeat pain. Life is a battleground. It always has been, and always will be; and if it were not so, existence would come to an end.””

Carl Gustav Jung

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The myth of a perfect, abundant society persists across cultures, but reality is a balance of opposites; idealism clashes with life's inherent contradictions.

In simple terms: Idealistic myths ignore life's dualities.

Key Takeaway

Accept complexity, avoid utopian fantasies.

Themes

myth idealism dualities reality culture

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • social policy
  • personal belief systems

Key Concepts

archetype illusion human nature political ideology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile idealism with reality?
  • What opposites shape your worldview?
A Different Perspective

Utopian visions can ignore practical challenges.

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