Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness [Paperback]

Robert A. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 1993

Presenting an original and vital model for psychological development, the brilliant and pioneering author of He, She, and We offers a new understanding of the stages of personal growth through which maturity and wholeness can be achieved.

Using quintessential figures from classical literature--Don Quixote, Hamlet, and Faust--Robert Johnson shows us three clearly defined stages of consciousness development. He demonstrates how the true work of maturity is to grow through these levels to the self-realized state of completion and harmony.

In Johnson's view, we all reach the stages depicted by Don Quixote, Hamlet, and Faust at various times of our lives. The three represent levels of consciousness within us, each vying for dominance. Don Quixote portrays the innocent child, while Hamlet stands for our self-conscious need to act and feel in control though we have no real connection to our inner selves. Faust embodies the master of the true self, who has gained awareness by working through the stages.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

On the heels of Robert Bly's best-selling Iron John ( LJ 11/15/90), comes this slim volume which offers quite a different assessment of maleness and its self-completion. Johnson, author of Inner Work ( LJ 7/86) and We ( LJ 2/1/84), uses three literary archetypes: Don Quixote (simple, two-dimensional man); Hamlet (complex, four-dimensional man); and Faust (complete, four-dimensional man). As a result of modern education and urbanization, Johnson posits, Western man is no longer simple; yet he lacks self-determination and therefore is trapped. The insights found here seem applicable to universal self-fulfillment and provocation (e.g., what significance does Faust's victory over the devil hold for men in these AIDS-ridden, economically troubled times?). Also, where Bly's book demands action, Johnson's is purely cerebral and more interesting to readers familiar with classic literature.
- David Nudo, New York
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Robert A. Johnson, a noted lecturer and Jungian analyst, is also the author of He, She, We, Inner Work, Ecstasy, Transformation, and Owning Your Own Shadow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (March 5, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062505432
• ISBN-13: 978-0062505439
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert A. Johnson, a noted lecturer and Jungian analyst, is also the author of He, She, We, Inner Work, Ecstasy, Transformation, and Owning Your Own Shadow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and Thought-Provoking, December 28, 2002

By 

Thomas Stamper (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness (Paperback)

Robert Johnson is a great first encounter with Jungian Psychology. The books are short and his points are direct. When you see the size of his books you first think that there isn't much to them, but it isn't long before you recant. I was somewhere near page five when I realized that I was considering the world from an entirely different introspection. Johnson explains how literature, myths and even ancient stories are consistent with overall human nature. By explaining the meaning of classic stories, Johnson explains the dilemmas of mankind, how they are timeless and universal.

In Transformations, Johnson explains how the masculine psyche begins as a Don Quixote, progresses into a Hamlet, and seeks to become a Faust. Some people live their whole lives without making it, but they do cause themselves a lot of trouble along the way. Johnson doesn't offer a solution but a path to take to find your own way.

Maybe the most comforting thing in these books is the idea that we're all struggling to get somewhere and we're not in it alone. It certainly helps my understanding of those I've come into conflict with.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not One Of His Best, July 4, 2004

By 

Melissa Solomon (Victoria, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness (Paperback)

Johnson is one of my favorite authors. He's a Jungian analyst who writes about myths and how they can tell us a lot about our life experiences and why we do what we do and why things happen to us. In this (short) book (105 written pages) he writes about the three levels of consciousness of men and gives a literary example of each. Don Quixote is Two-Dimensional Man (or simple man), Hamlet is Three-Dimensional Man (or complex man), and Faust is Four-Dimensional Man (or enlightened man). Johnson describes how men go through these stages, but sometimes become stuck at complex man because they have become so educated that they cannot give up their knowledge and return to the simplicity that can be seen in enlightened man. Although there are some interesting statements made in this text, there isn't much new and different here from Johnson's other work, and what is new and different is not "fleshed out" to give the reader a feeling of fully understanding what is being discussed. Although I'll continue to read Johnson, this is not one of his best works.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Insightful, January 3, 2009

By 

MrTwistoff "hobbesclarity" (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness (Hardcover)

I wasn't sure I would like this, because I'm not one that learns from literature. However, I've enjoyed Mr. Johnson's writings in other books and it seemed the subject matter was worthy.

Turns out this is a very worthwhile volume, taking us through evolutions of consciousness (simple, complex, enlightened). Since Johnson is doing the interpretation, you're not going through the classics but being walked through the lessons in them.

Johnson takes us through the characters of Don Quixote, Hamlet, and Faust, showing how each protrays the various levels that a person can exist in. He describes the characteristics that make the level appealing and unappealing and discusses how one can proceed to another level.

It's a simple read, 100+ pages, easily digestible. The points made are clear and it certainly clearly brings out, what I consider, patterns of natural order that many spend their entire lives struggling against - therefore, never resolving.

I found this to be a very unique analysis of choice of consciousness. It's well worth an evening to cover. And will be worth more than that in discussions, and revelations that will contribute to advancing your state of happiness, productivity, and comfort.