Consciousness Quote by Carl Jung
“The term "self" seems a suitable one for the unconscious substrate whose actual exponent in consciousness is the ego. The ego stands to the self as the moved to the mover, or as object to subject, because the determining factors that radiate outward from the self surround the ego on all sides and are therefore supraordinate to it. The self, like the unconscious, as an a priori existent out of which the ego evolves. It is, so to speak, an unconscious prefiguration of the ego. It is not I who create myself; rather, I happen to myself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Psychological Types, Carl Jung, 1921
The self is an unconscious foundation that precedes and shapes the ego, which acts as the conscious subject.
In simple terms: The unconscious self underlies the conscious ego.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the deeper unconscious influences on your conscious actions.
Themes
psychology
self
ego
consciousness
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal development
- therapy
- self‑analysis
- mindfulness
Key Concepts
Jungian theory
subject-object relation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your unconscious self affect your decisions?
- Can you observe the ego’s role as a mover?
A Different Perspective
The ego may be limited by unconscious forces beyond conscious control.
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
