Overview
Jung begins Aion with an exploration of the ego - the center of consciousness and our sense of personal identity. The ego is what we typically think of as "I" or "me," but Jung reveals it to be just one complex among many in the psyche.
Understanding the ego's proper role is crucial for the process of individuation. While the ego likes to believe it's in control, it's actually a relatively small part of the total psyche, floating like an island in the vast ocean of the unconscious.
The Ego as an Island in the Ocean of the Unconscious
Key Concepts
The Ego-Complex: The ego is a complex of representations which constitutes the center of consciousness. It possesses a high degree of continuity and identity, giving us our sense of being the same person throughout life.
Relationship to the Self: While the ego is the center of consciousness, the Self is the center of the total psyche. The ego emerges from the Self and maintains a vital connection to it throughout life.
Ego-Inflation: When the ego identifies with the Self or with unconscious contents, it becomes inflated. This leads to hubris and a dangerous overestimation of one's conscious powers.
The Relationship Between Ego and Self
The Journey Ahead
This chapter sets the stage for Jung's exploration of the deeper layers of the psyche. By understanding the ego's limitations and its proper relationship to the unconscious, we prepare ourselves for encounters with the shadow, the anima/animus, and ultimately the Self.
The ego must be strong enough to withstand the encounter with unconscious contents, yet flexible enough to be transformed by them. This delicate balance is essential for psychological development.