Letters of C. G. Jung: Volume I, 1906-1950 (Vol 1)
To Sally M. Pinckney
Dear Miss Pinckney, 30 September 1948
Although the dangers of the individual identifying with the collectivity are very great indeed, the relationship between these two factors is not necessarily negative.
It has its very positive aspects too.
As a matter of fact a positive relationship between the individual and society or a group is essential, since no individual stands by himself but depends upon symbiosis with a group.
The self, the very centre of an individual, is of a conglomerate nature.
It is, as it were, a group.
It is a collectivity in itself and therefore always, when it works most positively, creates a group.
This is the reason, for instance, why such a thing as the New York Club exists at all.
Such a oneness demands a positive expression which can be found only in an interest common to all members of a group.
Starting from such a consideration the Psychological Club of Zurich has founded the new Institute, the Curatorium and lectors of which are all members of the group.
It would certainly be of greatest interest to the welfare of the New York Club if a way could be found to direct its energies into some such channel.
Of course you wouldn’t be in the position to found an institute for teaching analytical psychology, but there are many other useful activities of which I got a certain idea through reading your Bulletin.
It is quite a clever piece of work and quite valuable as to its information.
It would, for instance, be highly interesting to know of books or articles in which analytical psychology is mentioned, criticized, reviled or praised.
It would also be of greatest value to hear critical and prejudiced voices.
As you know, one learns most through resistances and difficulties.
In this kind of work, where intelligent reading is chiefly needed, many members of your Club could be assigned to special tasks.
I’m very sorry to be so late with my answer.
I have been ill in the meantime and I couldn’t pick up the lost threads until just now.
Yours sincerely,
C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. 1, Page 508.
