The self is defined psychologically as the psychic…
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The self comprises the whole psychological makeup of a person; external symbols can stand in for it, but they may not capture its full complexity.
In simple terms: Self is a psychological totality; symbols can represent it incompletely.
Key Takeaway
Symbols only partially embody the self.
Themes
identity
symbolism
psychology
self-concept
representation
Mood
introspective
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
psychological
theoretical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal branding
- cultural rituals
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
psychic totality
symbolic representation
self-definition
Practical Applications
- psychotherapy
- marketing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do symbols shape our self-understanding?
- When does a symbol become limiting?
A Different Perspective
A symbol may oversimplify the self, leading to misinterpretation.