Susan, thanks so much for a thoughtful and thought provoking reflection. Just wondering if reading literature is actually a way of studying psychology? My other question is this: is reading history the study of facts or is it a way of exploring the mysteries of what makes us human, why do we think the way we do...would we have made the same fateful decisions as those who went before us? To me, I would put history in with literature. Just a few thoughts.
I studied English literature in college...a bachelor's then a masters in 19th century British literature. I was in awe that one could spend their days reading and talking about literature! Eventually I went back to school to study clinical psychology. Today, in my practice, I recommend books to my clients depending on what they're experiencing in their lives at present. I didn't know early on how my literature background would blend with my work as a psychotherapist. It blends well. Im excited for you, Susan, to begin your studies in depth psychology. And yes, id love to go back to school and continue reading and talking about literature and psychology, philosophy, history...so many fun subjects.
Have you read any work by James Hollis, a Jungian analyst who was a literature professor before leaving his appointment and moving to Zurich for depth psychology training. Jim is a very wise man. My favorite work by him is Living an Examined Life: Wisdom for the Second Half of the Journey. Highly recommended.
As an artist, musician, Myers-Briggs INFP who majored in Psychology, minored in English and Religion...I can confidently state the fact that mystery has been my guiding star 😉
I too have always been fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind which I think both psychology and literature explore, but in different ways. Although I read literature though college, I'm much more of a "facts" person. At some point, I lost my attention span for reading fiction, and believe I am poorer for that. (Though I love movies, including those based on literature classics, that touch on psychological themes.) However, for underlying psychological reasons (some of which I only figured out later in life) I studied philosophy, not psychology in college. Even though I enjoyed the philosophy major, and was able to delve more systematically into psychology in graduate school and beyond, in retrospect, I should have at least minored in it as an undergraduate. One of those things I recognize when I look in the rear view mirror.
Was highly skewed to science . Practiced medicine. But always more interested in peoples stories. I love learning about what makes people tick and what feeds their soul. I love reading novels written by people very different from me . Despite cultural differences we pretty much share a similar humanity.
I find facts and mysteries equal. Solving mysteries by digging for facts; or digging for facts and finding mysteries has been my lifelong habit that satisfys my curiosity and a penchant for learning. If i were to return to school, I'd study phsychology to help answer the never-ending "why"?
I've studied the human heart and mind for much of my life, interning with a Jungian analyst, being drawn to Pararbola, and books which blend the mystical and psychological. It's where I gravitate. These leanings are absorbed, I'm convinced, through a different aperarture than the collection of facts, which happen whether we like or not. They are ponderable, utilizable, insightful and offer the sort of growth I'm most interested in. Where are you taking your certification in Depth Psychology, I'd like to know.
Mysteries preferred, definitely. But that includes facts, because each fact has its own mystery. Looking forward to hearing about your depth psychology studies. If I could go back to school that is what I'd choose too. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful essay!
I, like you, I'm fascinated by the mysteries of our own minds. So for me it too would be psychology where the facts and mysteries place in the same space. In fact I'd probably choose an educational path almost identical to yours! It would blend my love of storytelling coupled with neuroscience, but with a practical side. I'm not interested in becoming a licensed therapist, per se, but I would love to have that toolset available to me to be a more effective coach to my students.
How fabulous that you will be studying depth psychology! I am also on that path, though in a less formal way. I look forward to what you will share with our community.
I actually like a mix of both - like I find mere facts of physics very mysterious and magical. For example - as a child I found the rainbow very fascinating and beautiful, and learning about how it's made through water and light made me love it more. Also , learning that the stars we see in the sky might not exist in real time but we can see them - opened so many doors in my mind.
My father , when he had to choose subjects in school, he wanted to study both physics and psychology, a combination of subjects which we are not allowed to study together in school ( maybe because it doesn't lead to a conventional career ). And I also faced something similar when it was my time to select subjects.
I find facts and mysteries are not on the opposite sides - everything is kind of interlinked in some way - and it's all so fascinating
Susan, thanks so much for a thoughtful and thought provoking reflection. Just wondering if reading literature is actually a way of studying psychology? My other question is this: is reading history the study of facts or is it a way of exploring the mysteries of what makes us human, why do we think the way we do...would we have made the same fateful decisions as those who went before us? To me, I would put history in with literature. Just a few thoughts.
I studied English literature in college...a bachelor's then a masters in 19th century British literature. I was in awe that one could spend their days reading and talking about literature! Eventually I went back to school to study clinical psychology. Today, in my practice, I recommend books to my clients depending on what they're experiencing in their lives at present. I didn't know early on how my literature background would blend with my work as a psychotherapist. It blends well. Im excited for you, Susan, to begin your studies in depth psychology. And yes, id love to go back to school and continue reading and talking about literature and psychology, philosophy, history...so many fun subjects.
I'm more drawn to the msytery. If I were to go back to school, I'd be likely to study literature, to go along with the Communications degree I have.
Have you read any work by James Hollis, a Jungian analyst who was a literature professor before leaving his appointment and moving to Zurich for depth psychology training. Jim is a very wise man. My favorite work by him is Living an Examined Life: Wisdom for the Second Half of the Journey. Highly recommended.
I like Hollis' work, too.
As an artist, musician, Myers-Briggs INFP who majored in Psychology, minored in English and Religion...I can confidently state the fact that mystery has been my guiding star 😉
Facts: How does the brain process music?
Mysteries: Will Murderbot ever become a real boy?
Check out Iain McGilchrist, too. SO looking forward to your next book!
I too have always been fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind which I think both psychology and literature explore, but in different ways. Although I read literature though college, I'm much more of a "facts" person. At some point, I lost my attention span for reading fiction, and believe I am poorer for that. (Though I love movies, including those based on literature classics, that touch on psychological themes.) However, for underlying psychological reasons (some of which I only figured out later in life) I studied philosophy, not psychology in college. Even though I enjoyed the philosophy major, and was able to delve more systematically into psychology in graduate school and beyond, in retrospect, I should have at least minored in it as an undergraduate. One of those things I recognize when I look in the rear view mirror.
Well I did just become a late in life Reiki master, and have learned so much more since my certifications, so good for you!!
Was highly skewed to science . Practiced medicine. But always more interested in peoples stories. I love learning about what makes people tick and what feeds their soul. I love reading novels written by people very different from me . Despite cultural differences we pretty much share a similar humanity.
I find facts and mysteries equal. Solving mysteries by digging for facts; or digging for facts and finding mysteries has been my lifelong habit that satisfys my curiosity and a penchant for learning. If i were to return to school, I'd study phsychology to help answer the never-ending "why"?
I've studied the human heart and mind for much of my life, interning with a Jungian analyst, being drawn to Pararbola, and books which blend the mystical and psychological. It's where I gravitate. These leanings are absorbed, I'm convinced, through a different aperarture than the collection of facts, which happen whether we like or not. They are ponderable, utilizable, insightful and offer the sort of growth I'm most interested in. Where are you taking your certification in Depth Psychology, I'd like to know.
Mysteries preferred, definitely. But that includes facts, because each fact has its own mystery. Looking forward to hearing about your depth psychology studies. If I could go back to school that is what I'd choose too. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful essay!
I, like you, I'm fascinated by the mysteries of our own minds. So for me it too would be psychology where the facts and mysteries place in the same space. In fact I'd probably choose an educational path almost identical to yours! It would blend my love of storytelling coupled with neuroscience, but with a practical side. I'm not interested in becoming a licensed therapist, per se, but I would love to have that toolset available to me to be a more effective coach to my students.
How fabulous that you will be studying depth psychology! I am also on that path, though in a less formal way. I look forward to what you will share with our community.
I actually like a mix of both - like I find mere facts of physics very mysterious and magical. For example - as a child I found the rainbow very fascinating and beautiful, and learning about how it's made through water and light made me love it more. Also , learning that the stars we see in the sky might not exist in real time but we can see them - opened so many doors in my mind.
My father , when he had to choose subjects in school, he wanted to study both physics and psychology, a combination of subjects which we are not allowed to study together in school ( maybe because it doesn't lead to a conventional career ). And I also faced something similar when it was my time to select subjects.
I find facts and mysteries are not on the opposite sides - everything is kind of interlinked in some way - and it's all so fascinating