“The decisive question for man is: Is he related to something infinite or not? That is the telling question of his life. Only if we know that the thing which truly matters is the infinite can we avoid fixing our interest upon futilities, and upon all kinds of goals which are not of real importance. . . . In the final analysis, we count for something only because of the essential we embody, and if we do not embody that, life is wasted.”— C.G.Jung Memories, Dreams, Reflections ch.XI, “On Life after Death”
When C.G. Jung wrote that a life disconnected from the infinite is wasted, he was expressing a profound perspective on the nature of human existence and the potential for a meaningful life.
Jung was the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded the new field of “Analytical Psychology.” He explored the depths of the human psyche, emphasizing the significance of the unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. While he was initially influenced by Freud, Jung developed his own unique theories and practices that encompassed a broader spiritual dimension.
In Jung’s view, the individual’s path to self-realization and wholeness involved more than just the conscious mind and personal experiences. He believed we all possess a “collective unconscious” — a reservoir of shared symbols, patterns, and images universally present across cultures and time. This collective unconscious connects individuals to a deeper, transpersonal realm.
The concept of the infinite refers to this transcendent and virtually timeless dimension beyond the individual’s personal limitations. It represents a connection to something greater than oneself, beyond the boundaries of time, space, and the mundane aspects of everyday life. It encompasses the mysteries of existence, the numinous, and the divine. This one central concept embraces many spiritual traditions from both East and West, including the religion of the spirit that Jesus taught and lived, the way of heaven promoted by Confucius, and the Tao of Taoism.”
For Jung, as for most religious traditions, a meaningful life is one that acknowledges and embraces this connection to the infinite. It is about recognizing that there is more to life than the material world and immediate gratification. By cultivating an awareness of the transcendent, individuals tap into their deeper potential and engage with a higher purpose or calling.
For Jung, a truly meaningful life requires an acknowledgment of the infinite and engagement with a deeper spiritual dimension. Without this connection, the central purpose and meaning of life is wasted.
J G Johnston
Author of Jung’s Indispensable Compass
6/6/2023