To Helene Kiener
Dear Fraulein Kiener, 15 June 1955
“Thought transference” is a synchronistic phenomenon.
“Self” is something that can be verified psychologically.
We experience “symbols of the self” which cannot be distinguished from “God symbols.”
I cannot prove that the self and God are identical, although in practice they appear so.
Individuation is ultimately a religious process which requires a corresponding religious attitude = the ego-will submits to God’s will.
To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I say “self” instead of God.
It is also more correct empirically.
Analytical psychology helps us to recognize our religious potentialities.
I know the Jesuit X.
Naturally he is afraid of the psychological truth .
What a misfortune it would be for the Catholic Church if all religions could unite in a truly universal Ecclesia spiritualis!
Then Pere X would no longer be the only one who is right!
I have no ambitious power plans, but seek a passable way only for myself and a few others.
I leave the will-to-power to the Churches, and the concomitant fear of losing power.
I have nothing to lose in this respect.
All science is merely a tool and not an end in itself.
Analytical psychology only helps us to find the way to the religious experience that makes us whole.
It is not this experience itself, nor does it bring it about.
But we do know that analytical psychology teaches us that attitude which meets a transcendent reality halfway.
Recently there appeared in Paris a book by another Jesuit, Pere Hostie (sic!), who criticizes my empirical concepts as though they were philosophical ones.
The facts I report are largely ignored.
Naturally this is an anxiety reaction which twists my findings as much as possible and imputes to me what these gentlemen do themselves.
They see the mote in their brother’s eye.
Like drowning men they cling to a straw.
Best greetings and wishes,
Yours sincerely,
C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. II, Page 265.