Archetypes Quote by Wolfgang Pauli
““As I regard physics and psychology as complementary types of examination, I am certain that there is an equally valid way that must lead the psychologist 'from behind' (namely, through investigating the archetypes) into the world of physics. As an example of background physics, I shall discuss a motif that occurs regularly in my dreams - namely, fine structure, in particular doublet structure of spectral lines and the separation of a chemical element into two isotopes.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Physics and Psychology, University of Zurich, 1955
Pauli proposes that physics and psychology are complementary, suggesting that exploring archetypal patterns in dreams can inform physical theories like fine structure.
In simple terms: Physics and psychology together reveal deeper truths.
Key Takeaway
Integrate symbolic insights into scientific inquiry.
Themes
interdisciplinary
mind-body
theory building
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- psychotherapy
- theoretical physics
- creative problem solving
- dream analysis
Key Concepts
archetypes
fine structure
dualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can subjective archetypal insights be rigorously tested?
- What benefits arise from merging scientific and psychological perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Dream symbolism may be subjective and hard to verify scientifically.
![“For [Wolfgang] Pauli the central problem of electrodynamics was the field concept and the existence of an elementary charge which is expressible by the fine-structure constant ... 1/137. This fundamental pure number had greatly fascinated Pauli, … For Pauli the explanation of the number 137 was…” quote by Charles P. Enz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/243/charles-p-enz-91251_fine-structure-const_for-wolfgang-pauli-the-central-problem-o_862023.jpg)
![“Now let us analyze the other two occupants of the inner Sanctuary or Oracle. They are the two cherubim who guard the Ark ... [and] "The Molten Sea" ...There are also two other elements of the Temple of which they are the image, and these other two units are the Great Pyramid and the Inner Court…” quote by William Eisen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/36d/william-eisen-84122_ancient-history_now-let-us-analyze-the-other-two-occupan_275621.jpg)
![“Through Jung [Pauli] became very interested in various kinds of mysticism, including Jewish mysticism. This led Pauli to develop a friendship with Gershom Scholem, the world's greatest authority in that field and in the Cabala, … On one occasion Scholem asked me to tell him about unsolved problems…” quote by Victor Frederick Weisskopf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe0/victor-frederick-weisskopf-451_137_through-jung-pauli-became-very-intereste_269318.jpg)
![“The fact of the existence of two theories [causal and acausal] that contradict each other in Jung ... corresponds psychologically to the vascillation between 3 and 4.” quote by Wolfgang Pauli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/686/wolfgang-pauli-14510_existence_the-fact-of-the-existence-of-two-theorie_262567.jpg)
