Customer Reviews

Jung to Live by

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book provides the clearest explanations I have seen yet of many of the stickiest concepts in Jungian psychology. The author's background in Jungian therapy and religious studies are blended together skillfully to produce a readable and instructive introduction to this fascinating subject.

The chapter on typology, a technique for understanding our inner selves and why we are not true to them, is one of the clearest I have ever read.

The concepts of persona, complexes, archetypes, shadow, Anima and Animus, etc., are presented clearly and directly. The author is always careful to ground the information in real-life language and experience, making it meaningful and applicable to the reader.

The book concludes with chapters on dream interpretation and active imagination, spurring readers to discover their own psychic process through the use of these powerful techniques.

While an introductory book, this work provides much to think about. The author's compassion and sense of humor are evident throughout. It is a worthy addition to the library of those interested in Jungian psychology and personal growth.

This book is useful in the sense that it helps clarify, and shows the hierarchy of, many of Jung's concepts of deep psychology. However, it has several shortcomings. The most important of these is that, even though the author insists on the importance of inner work with all the concepts explained, he never indicates how this inner work is to be performed. For instance, he states the importance of the four functions of consciousness and the typology that consequently people belong to; however, after insisting on this throughout many pages, and saying that interpersonal relations, especially in the work place, are easier and more conflict-free if we consider the typology of people, he goes on to tell us that there are two ways to find out this typology: a test performed by a therapist or constant study of the person during a long period of time -hardly a very practical way of solving interpersonal conflicts in your work place or of preparing a meeting. With most of the other concepts explained, the suggestions of practical action are even vaguer; only in the two last chapters there is a haste, not terribly detailed, explanation of how to work with dreams and active imagination. So much for the practical, applicable side of this book. Another serious shortcoming is that, when the author explains many of the abstract issues of deep psychology, he rarely gives examples taken from real people; he rather gives invented examples such as, "when a person is under the influence of a negative shadow he or she may...". This invented examples are often very exagerated, suposedly to show the author's sense of humour, and they do little to clarify the issues compared to real-life cases. When real-life cases are explained, only the conflict is given, but not usually how this was solved. However, as I have already said, this book is useful to understand many of Jung's complicated concepts, and as an introduction or first step in you journey of self-knowledge.

Pascal pulls many facets together in this comforting, easy to read, useful book. Myths, archetypes, astrological symbols, metaphysics, and psychology are all adeptly integrated into a useful tool. The author doesn't just talk the talk. He tells readers how to apply Jungian principles in daily life. A top-of-the line psychology book for today's complex, often frustrating lifestyle.

A practical, accessible book on Jungian psychology for anyone wanting to explore the 'shadow,' the self and dreams. If you aren't afraid to take a realistic look at yourself...if you're ready for a little 'personal growth,' if you want to be whole instead of good, then begin with this book. You won't be disappointed!

This is a lay-persons guide to Jungian theory and shows you how to uncover hidden aspects of your personality, how to interpret dreams, develop creativity and improve relationships. It conveys the essence and spirit of jungian thought in a simple and effective way. Lots of interesting stuff on complexes, archetypes and integrating the personality. I found the discussion of the dynamics of relationships very helpful. I just think more focus on practical implementatiuon in the form of exercises would have been even more helpful, otherwise you'll have to read the book over & over again. Includes a good bibliography and index.

Dr. Eugene Pascal provides an illuminating book which clarifies many complex principles and concepts of Jung, bringing them into everyday reality. Most impressive are the chapters on on 'individuation', 'the shadow' and 'psychic wholeness'. His explanation of how symbols operate within dreams is quite outstanding. The most enjoyable chapter for me explained how myths and legends are enacted unconsciously within us. The author provides numerous examples of how archetypes, the anima and animus, and "the functions of consciousness", typology, helps us live in the world and resolve conflicts. How we "transform" ourselves is the main thrust of this book ... as Dr. Pascal observes ...in order to let our Light shine forth we must explore the Source of our energy. This is truly a fascinating book worth owning by anyone who is exploring Jung and consequently doing "inner work". The book is all about how we manifest our reality ... a truly magnificent journey!
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

When this book was recommended as the pre-read for a Caroline Myss workshop, I was apprehensive. I thought it might be way beyond my comprehension. To my delight I found the book very readable, highly interesting, provocative in the ideas and sound in application. Have you ever read a book and wished it was a workshop? This is it! Encore, Pascal!

An interesting topic and fairly well written. However, the digital conversion is sloppy and error-ridden. Hyphens appear on virtually every page without purpose, ruining the flow of the text. Other editing errors are much too frequent for the price of this ebook. With the sloppy conversion process, I cannot recommend this book. Perhaps the publisher will take another look at this issue since the errors ruin an otherwise good read.

This is truly a fascinating book worth owning by anyone who is exploring Jung and consequently doing "inner work".

I enjoyed reading James Hollis's books and wanted to study Jungian theories further and began a search for a book that fit this need. I found this wonderful book helped me get a basic foundation to build from and have read it twice because I enjoyed it so much. Pascal's writing is excellent and his introduction into Jungian theories are very understandable. I highly recommend this book for all that want an introduction into Jung's ideas from the perspective of a Jungian analyst.