20′ July 1958
Dear Thorton,
The question you asked me is – I am afraid – beyond my competence. It is a question of fate in which you should not be influenced by any arbitrary outer influence.
As a rule, I am all for walking in two worlds at once, since we are gifted with two legs, remembering that spirit is pneuma which means “moving air”. It is a wind that too easily can lift you up from the solid earth and can carry you away on uncertain waves. It is good, therefore, as a rule, to keep at least one foot upon “terra firma”. We are still in the body and thus under the rule of heavy matter.
Also, it is equally true that matter not moved by the spirit is dead and empty. Over against this general truth one has to be flexible enough to admit all sorts of exceptions, as they are unavoidable accompaniments of all rules.
The spirit has not merit in itself and it has a peculiarly irrealizing effect if not counter-balanced by its material opposite.
Thus think again, and if you feel enough solid ground under your feet, follow the call of the spirit.
My best wishes,
C.G. Jung
My best wishes,
C.G. Jung
20′ July 1958
Dear Thorton,
The question you asked me is – I am afraid – beyond my competence. It is a question of fate in which you should not be influenced by any arbitrary outer influence.
As a rule, I am all for walking in two worlds at once, since we are gifted with two legs, remembering that spirit is pneuma which means “moving air”. It is a wind that too easily can lift you up from the solid earth and can carry you away on uncertain waves. It is good, therefore, as a rule, to keep at least one foot upon “terra firma”. We are still in the body and thus under the rule of heavy matter.
Also, it is equally true that matter not moved by the spirit is dead and empty. Over against this general truth one has to be flexible enough to admit all sorts of exceptions, as they are unavoidable accompaniments of all rules.
The spirit has not merit in itself and it has a peculiarly irrealizing effect if not counter-balanced by its material opposite.
Thus think again, and if you feel enough solid ground under your feet, follow the call of the spirit.
My best wishes,
C.G. Jung