Modern Man in Search of a Soul

Rapid progress turned into a destructive whirlwind for the soul—while the body and the mind largely enjoy the changes. How can we understand, and above all restore, this wounded deep foundation of existence? Jung not only describes the illness of an age filled with personal disorders, but also outlines a path toward making peace with the inner conflict that runs through each of us.

In the era of accelerating progress, a flood of nervous and personal disorders has fallen upon people—about which our ancestors just a couple of centuries ago knew almost nothing. The psyche of modern times has changed irrevocably, and with each year the risks to it increase. Complexes, syndromes, and obsessions are growing with alarming speed. But, above all, according to Jung, it was the soul that suffered. The changes to which the body and intellect have quickly—often with pleasure—adapted proved too heavy and destructive for inner depth.

Can we explain what the soul is? How can we draw near to this mysterious, almost elusive substance—can it be studied and healed? And is there a way to relieve the tension between body and spirit that tears modern people apart?