Letters of C. G. Jung: Volume 2, 1951-1961
To G. van Schravendijk-Berlage
Dear Frau Schravendijk-Berlage, 11 February 1953
I can only confirm the impression you have formed of the worldwide readiness to help.
Here in Switzerland we are all deeply affected by the terrible catastrophe that has befallen your country.
On a superficial view, one must regard this response as a positive sign of the feeling of human solidarity.
But as you have quite rightly seen there is something more behind it: the pressure weighing on all Europe and the more or less open fear of a still greater catastrophe.
The present political situation is historically unique in that an Iron Curtain has split the world into two halves which virtually balance each other.
Nobody knows the answer to this problem.
But whenever man is confronted with an unanswerable question or situation, corresponding archetypes are constellated in his unconscious.
The first thing this produces is a general unrest in the unconscious which manifests itself as fear and makes people seek closer union in order to ward off the danger.
But when a catastrophe like the Dutch one occurs, they are reminded of the far greater danger under the threat of which they live.
The breaking loose of the elements, tempest and flood, is a symbol of the possible end of our world.
Yours sincerely,
C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. II, Page 105.