Carl Jung: Your succour comes at a time when it is badly needed

Carl Jung: Your succour comes at a time when it is badly needed

Letters of C. G. Jung: Volume 2, 1951-1961

To J. B . Priestley

Dear Mr. Priestley, 8 November 1954

Friends have sent your two articles to me.

I am deeply touched by your kindness and understanding.

You as a writer are in a position to appreciate what it means to an isolated individual like myself to hear one friendly human voice among the stupid and malevolent noises rising from the scribbler-infested jungle.

I am indeed most grateful for your warm-hearted support and your generous appreciation.

Your succour comes at a time when it is badly needed; soon a little book of mine will be published in England which my publishers in USA did not dare to print. Its title is: Answer to Job.

It deals with the wholly unsatisfactory outcome of the Book of Job and what its further historical consequences for the development of certain religious questions including Christian views were.

The book will be highly unwelcome in certain spheres and will be misunderstood and misinterpreted accordingly.

The German edition over here has already upset the representatives of three religions, not because it is irreligious but because it takes their statements and premises seriously.

Needless to say the best of the so-called free-thinkers are equally shocked.

Sir Herbert Read, who is informed about its contents, wisely said: “You certainly understand how to put your foot in it.”

But I am really glad that they are willing to print it.

I will tell my publishers to present a copy to you as soon as it comes out.

Hoping you are in good health and active as ever,

I remain,

Yours gratefully and sincerely,

C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. II, Pages 192-193