Carl Jung: Anyone who is conscious of his guiding principle.
Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche
I have returned at this point in the discussion to my previous hypothesis of a higher consciousness because the problem we are concerned with here, namely the life-ruling power of the spirit, is connected with processes outside ego-consciousness.
A little further back I mentioned in passing that an idea which lacks emotional force can never become a life-ruling factor.
I also said it was a matter of fate what kind of attitude or “spirit” would develop, in order to emphasize that the conscious mind is not in a position to create an autonomous complex at will.
It is not autonomous unless it comes upon us forcibly, and visibly proves its superiority to the conscious will. It, too, is one of those disturbances that arise out of the dark regions.
When I said earlier that an idea must evoke a response from the emotions, I meant an unconscious readiness which, because of its affective nature, springs from deeper levels that are quite inaccessible to consciousness.
Thus, our conscious reason can never destroy the roots of nervous symptoms; for this emotional processes are needed, which even have the power to influence the sympathetic nervous system.
We could equally well say that when the wider consciousness sees fit, a compelling idea is put before the ego-consciousness as an unconditional command.
Anyone who is conscious of his guiding principle knows with what indisputable authority it rules his life.
But generally consciousness is too preoccupied with the attainment of some beckoning goal to consider the nature of the spirit that determines its course. ~Carl Jung, CW 8, Para 642
