Belief Man Quote by C.G. Jung
““This formulation will not please the mass man or the collective believer. For the former the policy of the State is the supreme principle of thought and action. Indeed, this was the purpose for which he was enlightened, and accordingly the mass man grants the individual a right to exist only in so far as he is a function of the State. The believer, on the other hand, while admitting that the State has a moral and factual claim on him, confesses to the belief that not only man but the State that rules him is subject to the overlordship of “God,” and that, in case of doubt, the supreme decision will be made by God and not by the State.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Psychological Types by Carl Gustav Jung, 1921
The quote contrasts two ways people subordinate individuality: one to the State, the other to a divine authority, highlighting how both can suppress personal freedom.
In simple terms: People can lose selfhood to politics or religion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect personal autonomy.
Themes
individualism
authority
freedom
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- religious reflection
- personal decision‑making
- education about rights
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
psychology
political theory
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance loyalty to community with personal integrity?
- What role does faith play in your sense of freedom?
A Different Perspective
The State or religion may also empower individuals, not just oppress them.
