Erich Neumann: Brilliant Pioneer of Depth Psychology

Psychologically, the only effective alternative to shadow projection with its attendant hazards and costs is its opposite: shadow recognition, acknowledgement, and integration

otqtxwmy September 15, 2023

Why Read Neumann

Erich Neumann (1905-1960) was a prominent Jungian analyst and psychologist. Carl Jung held him in very high esteem, and Neumann is often considered Jung’s most important and influential student. He is best known for his work on the development of consciousness and its relation to myth, as well as for his postulation of the “centroversion” principle, which complements Jung’s ideas on introversion and extraversion. Neumann’s work demonstrates that universal symbols appear in all religions and cultures, and he grounds this phenomenon in the notion of the collective consciousness, which is a fundamental tenet of the Perennial Philosophy.

Bio

Erich Neumann (1905-1960) was a distinguished Jungian psychologist and analyst, born in Berlin, Germany. Fleeing Nazi ascendancy, he relocated to Tel Aviv in 1934, where he played a pivotal role in establishing analytical psychology. Profoundly influenced by Carl Jung, Neumann expanded upon Jung’s theories, making notable contributions to the understanding of the development of human consciousness and its link to mythological narratives. His magnum opus, “The Origins and History of Consciousness” (1954), delved into the stages of psychological development, using the hero’s journey as a central motif. Another seminal work, “The Great Mother,” explored the maternal archetype across various cultures. Neumann’s deep insights into the collective unconscious and his ability to bridge ancient myths with modern psychology left an indelible mark on analytical psychology. His theories and writings continue to be influential in the realms of depth psychology, mythology, and consciousness studies.

Neumann's Big Ideas

Development of Consciousness: Neumann traced the evolutionary steps of human consciousness, mapping its progression from a state of primal unity to the differentiation of the ego in the individual.

Centroversion: This is a principle that complements Jung’s introversion and extraversion. While introversion describes an inward turning of the psychic energy, focusing on one’s inner world, and extraversion represents an outward focus toward the external world, centroversion refers to a movement of the psyche that aims to balance and integrate both these tendencies. This process leads to psychic wholeness, which is a primary aim of human existence.

Cultural Evolution and Myth: Neumann believed that mythological narratives, across various cultures, reflect the evolutionary development of human consciousness. He saw these myths as essential keys to understanding both collective and individual psychological growth.

Primordial Layer of the Psyche: Building on Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, Neumann emphasized the importance of the primordial layer of the psyche, which houses ancient, universal images and archetypes.

Relationship with Jung: While not an “idea” per se, Neumann’s close association and correspondence with Carl Jung greatly influenced both their works. The dialogue between the two thinkers enriched analytical psychology as a discipline.

Quotes

“The acceptance of oneself as including a dark aspect and a shadow actually springs from a deep and humble recognition of the invincible creatureliness of man, which is a part of the purpose of his creation. Unlike the old unconscious dilemma – either surrender to the shadow and be overwhelmed, or else project it and lose it altogether – “acceptance of the shadow” is a solution which brings unconsciousness of the problem to an end. And that is in fact the point of the process.”

“The experience of the Great Mother in her dual aspect, as both helpful and terrible, is the most momentous experience of all.”

“The development of consciousness is a slow process, and it is only in man that it reaches its climax, in the ability to say ‘I’.”

“The ego is an island in the sea of the collective unconscious.”