As related by prominent experts in typology today such as Dario Nardi, Carl Jung’s investigations were not specifically about type but about one-sidedness [skip to 7:10 in the below interview].
This translation is adapted to reflect recent research and input from some who have contributed to typology.
Carl Jung, a well-known Swiss psychologist and scholar, is celebrated for his significant contributions to understanding personality and the human mind. Distinguishing himself from the principles of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, Jung introduced his unique framework of personality, often recognized as analytical psychology.
Jung’s framework revolves around the notion that the psyche consists of three primary elements:
The Ego: This mirrors Freud’s concept, representing the conscious mind, one’s individual sense of self, and their relationship with the external world.
Personal Unconscious: Jung posited the existence of a personal unconscious, housing an individual’s distinctive experiences, suppressed thoughts, and memories.
Collective Unconscious: Central to Jung’s theory, he proposed a collective unconscious that transcends an individual’s personal unconscious, shared among all humans. This collective unconscious contains universal symbols, archetypes, and patterns common to all cultures and societies. Archetypes, which are inherent, universal symbols found in dreams, myths, and art, evoke emotional responses and mold behavior.
Jung identified various archetypes that underpin the collective unconscious. Some of the most notable include the persona (the societal facade or mask), the shadow (the hidden, unconscious facets of oneself), the anima/animus (feminine/masculine aspects within individuals), and the Self (the pursuit of unity and completeness).
His system of personality typology introduced the concepts of introversion and extraversion, forming the basis for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Jung suggested that individuals have unique preferences in their psychological energy, either directed outwardly (extraversion) or more inward and contemplative (introversion).
Jung’s work significantly impacted psychology, psychotherapy, and self-improvement, contributing to the evolution of various therapeutic approaches and personality assessments. His emphasis on the collective unconscious, archetypes, and integrating different aspects of the self has enduringly influenced the comprehension of human personality and conduct.
