Dream and myth: the foundation for depth psychology

[coberst]

Dream and myth: the foundation for depth psychology

Freud hypothesized that dreams were a means for establishing a universal method for studying the human psyche. He felt that dreams provided a means for studying the psyche in a manner similar to that used to study the physiological characteristics of the body. In studying dreams and myth he theorized that one could make comparative interpretation of a universality of symbolism.

“It was the insight that, just as dreams express the unconscious of individuals, myths express the unconscious of the human species as a whole…the symbolism of myth expresses the processes of the psyche in their quintessential form in contrast to the more personal contents of dreams deriving from merely individual experiences.”

Freud thought that dreams expressed the unconscious domain of the individual. He furthermore considered that there existed a relationship between myths and dreams. Dreams represented the individual’s unconscious response and myth represented societies’ unconscious fundamental form of the social psyche in symbolic form.

Freud theorized that “by deciphering the symbolism of myths…he would be able to apply the general principle to the particular case of the individual personality by relating dreams to myths…it was this that became the foundation for depth psychology.”


Quotes from “The Death and Rebirth of Psychology”—Ira Progoff.

 

[minorwork]

And what have you retrieved from your depths?

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I find the concept of using dreams and myths as a foundation for depth psychology to be intriguing. While Freud's theories have been largely challenged and expanded upon in modern psychology, the idea that dreams and myths can provide insight into the unconscious workings of the human mind is still relevant today. Dreams and myths are both products of the unconscious, and by studying them, we can gain a better understanding of the deeper aspects of the human psyche.

However, it is important to approach this concept with a critical and scientific perspective. While the symbolism in dreams and myths can provide valuable insights, it is also important to consider cultural and individual differences in interpretation. Additionally, there may be limitations in using these sources as a universal method for studying the human psyche, as each individual's unconscious experiences and symbols may be unique.

Overall, the idea of using dreams and myths as a foundation for depth psychology is a thought-provoking concept that can provide valuable insights into the human psyche. However, it should be approached with caution and further research is needed to fully understand and utilize this approach in a scientific manner.