Carl Jung on “why one’s fate always strives for posthumous recognition.
C.G. Jung Letters, Vol. 1: 1906-1950
To Alwine von Keller
Dear Frau von Keller, 21 August 1944
Best thanks for your long letter. I have heard nothing from Frau X. for a long time.
I only hope things are going better with her.
She is indeed a problem, like all Germans today.
I am very grateful to you for news about Zimmer for I have had but little.
Like the physician who attended me, Dr. Haemmerl he died on the eve of his fame.
This seems to be a particularly critical moment.
There is indeed a great danger in being praised before the eve.
That is why one’s fate always strives for posthumous recognition.
It would almost have done away with me too, for the sole reason that I was appointed professor in Basel.
I am extremely glad that this year’s Eranos meeting went off very well without me.
By the beginning of winter I hope to have got my wits together again so that I can also think of other people.
Meanwhile with best thanks and friendly greetings,
Yours sincerely,
C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. 1, Pages 344-345.
