Carl Gustav Jung

Carl Gustav Jung was born on July 26th in Kesswil, Swiss canton of Thurgau. He was the second child of Paul Achilles Jung and Emilie Preiswerk after two stillbirths and the birth of a son named Paul, who survived only a few days. This event had a significant impact on Jung's life as it shaped his family dynamics and influenced his future relationships with his parents.

Jung moved with his family to Kleinhüningen, Basel, where his mother's depression improved significantly.

A young boy carved a tiny mannequin into the end of a wooden ruler from his pencil case and added a stone to it, hiding the case in the attic as an early symbol-making ritual.

While still young, Jung experienced an incident where he was pushed to the ground and lost consciousness, leaving him with fainting episodes that prompted him to seek medical attention at home for six months.

Emilie Jung's sister Johanna Gertrud ('Trudi') was born in Laufen, and Trudi became a secretary to her brother Paul Jung.

Jung was pushed to the ground by another boy at age 12, leading to a series of fainting episodes due to suspected epilepsy. This incident marked a turning point in his life, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and seek medical attention for his condition. As he grew older, Jung became determined to overcome his fainting spells and achieve academic excellence. Despite facing challenges, Jung persevered and eventually overcame the urge to faint again.

Overhearing his father's conversation with a visitor about his future ability to support himself led Jung to realize the importance of academic success. This realization influenced his initial aspiration to become a Christian minister, as he came from a family of clergy members who valued education and spiritual growth.

Jung's family struggled financially after his father's death, with relatives contributing to their struggles. However, the family's financial situation did not deter Jung from pursuing his academic goals, as he continued to work hard towards achieving success.

Jung began studying medicine at the University of Basel, marking a significant shift in his academic pursuits after years of exploring various interests.

Jung's grandfather claimed that he was the illegitimate son of Goethe, a famous German poet and writer. Although this claim was later disputed as an exaggeration, it had a significant impact on Jung's life and influenced his interest in the occult and mysticism.

Paul Achilles Jung, Carl Gustav Jung's father, passed away in 1896 at the age of 54 due to complications from tuberculosis. This loss had a profound effect on Jung, who struggled with feelings of abandonment and insecurity throughout his life.

Sigmund Freud published 'The Interpretation of Dreams', a groundbreaking work that would influence Jung's thoughts on the human psyche.

Jung moved to Zurich and began working at the Burghölzli psychiatric hospital under Eugen Bleuler. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he became immersed in the field of psychiatry and developed an interest in palaeoanthropology.

Carl Jung completed his degree, marking an important milestone in his academic journey and setting him up for future opportunities.

Jung worked with French psychologist Pierre Janet in Paris, where he gained valuable insights into the human mind. This experience had a lasting impact on Jung's work, as he incorporated Janet's ideas into his own theories about the unconscious and the collective unconscious.

Jung completed his dissertation, 'On the Psychology and Pathology of So-Called Occult Phenomena,' which was published in 1903. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his academic career, as it demonstrated his expertise in the field of psychiatry.

Jung was appointed as a permanent 'senior' doctor at the Burghölzli psychiatric hospital and became a lecturer Privatdozent in the medical faculty of Zurich University. This promotion marked a significant career advancement for Jung, as he gained more recognition and respect within his field.

Jung sent a copy of 'Studies in Word Association' to Freud, initiating a dialogue that would shape the course of psychoanalytic thought.

On March 3rd, Jung met Sigmund Freud for the first time in Vienna, marking the beginning of a complex and influential relationship between the two men.

Jung became an editor of the Yearbook for Psychoanalytical and Psychopathological Research, further solidifying his connection to the psychoanalytic community.

Jung left the psychiatric hospital to begin a private practice in his home in Küsnacht. This decision allowed him to focus on his own therapeutic work and develop new ideas about the human psyche.

Jung and Freud delivered speeches in the U.S. alongside mutual recognition, including an honorary degree from Clark University.

Jung traveled with Freud and Sándor Ferenczi to the United States, forging welcome links between him and influential Americans and broadening his understanding of American psychology.

Jung traveled to the United States with Sándor Ferenczi, marking a significant moment in their relationship and introducing Jung to American psychoanalytic circles.

Jung visited the US with Freud to lecture at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where both were awarded honorary degrees from the university, marking a significant milestone in their international collaboration and recognition of their work.

Jung was elected to serve a two-year term as President of International Psychoanalytical Association, recognizing his leadership skills and commitment to the field.

Despite their significant collaboration, Jung and Freud began to disagree on various aspects, including the nature of libido and personal growth, marking a turning point in their relationship.

Jung published 'Psychology of the Unconscious,' which demonstrated his growing theoretical divergence with Freud's ideas.

In November of that year, Jung visited the US and gave the Fordham University lectures on 'The Psychology of the Unconscious', which ultimately led to a disagreement with Freud over his psychoanalytic theory.

Freud's visit to Binswanger in Kreuzlingen without paying Jung a visit in nearby Zurich became known as the 'Kreuzlingen gesture', causing tension between the two men and ultimately contributing to their falling out.

In late 1912, Jung published the Fordham University lectures under the title 'Psychology of the Unconscious' (later republished as 'Symbols of Transformation'), solidifying his break with Freud's psychoanalytic theory.

Jung gave a series of lectures at Fordham University in New York, which were later published as Psychology of the Unconscious, showcasing his expertise in psychoanalysis and establishing himself as a prominent figure in the field.

The personal and professional relationship between Jung and Freud fractured, marking a pivotal turning point in their collaboration.

At the Fourth International Psychoanalytical Congress in Munich, Jung and Freud met for the last time, marking the final stage in their long-standing disagreement over psychoanalytic theory.

At the age of 38, Jung experienced visions, hearing voices, and hallucinations, which he later determined was a valuable experience that led to his private practice of 'active imagination' and the creation of the Liber Novus or Red Book.

Jung commissioned the Liber Novus or Red Book, a personal journal and collection of artwork and writings that would become an integral part of his therapeutic practice and spiritual development.

Carl Jung became a professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he began to develop his theories on the collective unconscious and archetypes.

Jung delivered a lecture at the Society for Psychical Research in England titled 'The Psychological Foundations for the belief in spirits,' exploring the psychological aspects of spiritual experiences and the role of the unconscious in shaping beliefs about the paranormal.

Constance Long arranged a seminar in Cornwall, which marked one of several opportunities for Jung to share his ideas with a wider audience and further establish his reputation as a psychotherapist.

Jung's concept of the collective unconscious gained significant attention in the field of psychoanalytic theory, with many scholars recognizing its importance in understanding human behavior and experience.

Jung's book Psychological Types was published, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field of psychology and cementing his influence on modern thought.

A seminar organized by Helton Godwin Baynes (known as 'Peter') took place, showcasing Jung's growing reputation as a psychotherapist and spiritual guide.

Jung made an extensive trip westward to the US, financed and organized by Fowler McCormick and George Porter, during which he explored new ideas and perspectives that would later influence his work on the concept of the collective unconscious.

Another seminar was held in the UK, allowing Jung to share his ideas with an even broader audience and further establish his expertise in the field of psychology.

Carl Gustav Jung treated American businessman and politician Rowland Hazard for alcoholism using his conviction that alcoholics may recover if they have a 'vital spiritual (or religious) experience'. This event showcased Jung's innovative approach to treating mental health issues and his commitment to finding alternative solutions.

Jung contributed to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous, which would go on to become a groundbreaking organization in the field of addiction treatment. His work with Rowland Hazard marked an important milestone in Jung's career as a researcher and clinician.

Jung was introduced to a manuscript of The Secret of the Golden Flower by Richard Wilhelm, which sparked his interest in alchemy and led him to explore its connection to psychology.

Jung's acquaintance with alchemy continued as he delved deeper into the subject, analyzing the alchemical symbols and their connection to the psychoanalytical process in an effort to understand the nature of reality.

Jung became the president of the International General Medical Society for Psychotherapy (Allgemeine Ärztliche Gesellschaft für Psychotherapie) after the Nazis gained power in Germany.

The German affiliated organization excluded Jews, prompting Jung to distance himself from the society's pro-Nazi stance by arranging the appointment of Carl Alfred Meier as new managing editor.

Jung drew attention to the provision in the International Society's constitution allowing individual doctors, including German Jewish doctors, to join directly. This move aimed to challenge the society's restrictive membership policies and promote inclusivity among its members.

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on June 10th, with the help of Bill Wilson's recovery from alcoholism.

Jung delivered a series of lectures at the Tavistock Clinic in London, where he explored the intersection of psychology and spirituality, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Jung published his book 'The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious,' which outlined his theories on the collective unconscious and archetypes as a shared layer of human experience.

Jung returned to America, receiving an honorary degree from Harvard University and delivering lectures in New York and New England for his growing group of American followers, further solidifying his reputation as a leading psychoanalyst.

Jung published his essay 'Wotan', which explored the mythological figure of Wotan from Germanic mythology, shedding light on the cultural significance of this figure in European folklore.

Jung returned to Yale University to deliver the Terry Lectures, sharing his insights on the human psyche and the importance of integrating opposites in psychological development, a concept that would become central to his later work on individuation.

In July 29- August 2, Jung gave a presidential address at the International Medical Congress for Psychotherapy in Oxford, where he shared his vision for the future of psychotherapy and cemented his status as a leading figure in the field.

In October 1938, Jung had a lengthy interview with H. R. Knickerbocker, discussing his views on various topics including psychology, philosophy, and politics, providing insight into his thought process during that period.

Jung discussed an Oxford Group member in talks around 1940, possibly sharing insights into the individual's transformation and spiritual growth through his work with Rowland Hazard III.

Hans Driesch died on September 14, 1941, leaving behind a legacy as a philosopher and psychologist who influenced Jung's thoughts on the unconscious and its relationship to the human psyche.

Jung published Psychology and Alchemy, a comprehensive analysis of the alchemical symbols and their significance in understanding the human psyche, which marked a significant shift in his approach to paranormal phenomena.

Jung began corresponding with Father Victor White, an English Roman Catholic priest who became a close friend. This correspondence would have a significant impact on Jung's spiritual and intellectual development.

Jung gave an interview, sharing his perspectives on psychological concepts and offering insights into his personal experiences and professional endeavors at the time.

Jung developed the concept of synchronicity, a fundamental idea about the paranormal that posits the existence of meaningful coincidences between inner and outer events, which would become a cornerstone of his later work on the subject.

Jung conducted research on mescaline and related drugs in the early 1950s, exploring their potential therapeutic applications and psychological effects.

Jung established his private practice in London, marking a significant milestone in his career as a psychoanalyst and psychiatrist. He attracted patients from all over the world, including prominent figures in politics, art, and entertainment.

Jung published 'Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies', which analyzed the archetypal meaning and possible psychological significance of UFO observations. This book showcased Jung's interest in exploring the symbolic connections between modern phenomena and ancient mythologies.

Jung was asked about his beliefs on God and provided insight into the concept of individuation and its connection to spirituality, which may have influenced others to explore their own spiritual journeys.

Jung's concept of the human psyche being 'by nature religious' was first introduced to the Western world through his lectures at the University of London. This idea challenged traditional views of religion and spirituality, sparking widespread interest in Jungian psychology.

Carl Gustav Jung passed away on June 6th at the age of 85 due to complications from a heart attack. This event marked the end of an extraordinary life that had a profound impact on the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and beyond.

Jung died at Küsnacht after a short illness, beset by circulatory diseases. His death marked the end of an era for Jungian thought and the loss of a prominent figure in the world of psychology and spirituality.

Jung corresponded with Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, thanking him for his inspiration in developing the mutual self-help movement.