Overview
This lecture explores the concept of genetic and collective memory, focusing on psychological theories by Freud and Jung, and their implications for personal development and symbolism.
Genetic Memory and Ancestral Influence
- Genetic memory refers to inherited memories present from birth, not based on personal experience.
- A 2013 mouse study showed learned fears (to a specific smell) passed to future generations through genes.
- Some researchers suggest trauma, such as that experienced by Holocaust survivors, may affect descendants via genetic memory.
- The biological mechanism for genetic memory is unclear, with speculation about segments of "junk DNA" storing such memories.
Freud vs. Jung: Consciousness and the Unconscious
- Freud divided the mind into the conscious (aware thoughts, ego) and unconscious (repressed desires, emotions).
- Freud's concept of repression involves hiding disturbing memories in the unconscious, affecting behavior.
- Jung diverged from Freud, proposing different levels of consciousness and introducing new ideas about the unconscious mind.
Jung's Theory: Collective Unconscious and Archetypes
- The collective unconscious is a shared, universal memory bank inherited from ancestors.
- Jung believed the collective unconscious contains "archetypes"—universal psychic patterns influencing human experience.
- Common archetypes include the Great Mother, Wise Old Man, Trickster, Persona, and Shadow.
- The persona archetype is the social mask we present to others.
- The shadow archetype contains repressed, often negative, aspects of the self but also unrealized positive potential.
- Projection is the act of attributing one's own unwanted qualities to others, often unconsciously.
- Integration of the shadow is essential for psychological growth and self-realization.
Symbolism of Numbers and Synchronicity
- Jung saw numbers (1-9) as fundamental archetypes that represent stages of psychological development and order.
- The number one symbolizes beginnings, individuality, and potential isolation.
- Jung linked numbers with "synchronicity," meaningful coincidences not explained by causality.
- He believed in a unified underlying reality ("Unus Mundus") similar to the concept of Qi in Chinese philosophy.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Genetic Memory — inherited memories present at birth, possibly encoded in DNA.
- Collective Unconscious — Jung’s idea of a universal, inherited reservoir of human experience and archetypes.
- Archetype — universal symbol or pattern found within the collective unconscious.
- Persona — the social face or mask one presents to the world.
- Shadow — the unconscious part of the psyche containing repressed qualities and potential.
- Projection — attributing unwanted aspects of oneself to others unconsciously.
- Synchronicity — meaningful connections between events not caused by direct influence.
- Unus Mundus — Jung’s term for the underlying unity of all existence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the upcoming video on the I Ching to further explore Jung’s synchronicity and collective unconscious.
- Reflect on personal examples of persona, shadow, and projection in your own life.