The Psychology of The Child Archetype (P4)

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The Function of The Archetype

I laid awake for at least three hours last night! In fact, I fell asleep initially but woke up after about two hours, and my thoughts started working. It’s not the first time I’ve been lying awake more often lately. The reason is not any concern about private life; however, there are enough issues to consider, and not limited to my birthplace, Iran and its young freedom fighters; what worries me is the future of humanity as a whole. A theory develops in my head!

These days, I’m very busy with the world’s condition. I see how humanity is on a downward spiral and think about what could be the reason, and it forced me to theorize!

I see greed and hate. I see children suffering due to the thoughtlessness and mistakes of their parents, and politics makes it worse. While I might bite my tongue, I ask myself, is it not better to die as a child than to grow up and continue fighting? How can someone believe that peace can be achieved by bombarding a folk? How is it possible to forget one’s pain of losing the mother, father, or entire family? Those who sow hatred will reap vengeance!

I observe how people chase after happiness as it slips away, and I believe that our obsession with money, possessions, and accumulating more and more has caused us to lose sight of what truly matters – enjoying life.
I believe that enjoyment lies in the limitation of having!
As Lao Tzu said: Have little, and you will gain. Have much, and you will be confused.

The entire statement is instructive:
Bend, and you will be whole. Curl, and you will be straight. Keep empty, and you will be filled. Grow old, and you will be renewed.
Have little, and you will gain. Have much, and you will be confused.
“Tao Te Ching: Chapter 22” by Lao Tzu

What we often forget is that the child in us never dies! I have previously shared some information on this topic (as it is part 4). In Part 1, I provided a translated summary of “The Archetype as a Past State.” Now, I would like to share Dr. Jung’s thesis on Child Archetypes: “The Function of the Archetype”, which may help us understand and awaken in adulthood.
To begin with, I will provide a brief introduction to Archetypes.

(Archetypes are not myths themselves but rather components of myths due to their typical nature. They are present in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and even psychotic fantasy products. In an individual, archetypes appear as unreal manifestations of unconscious processes. In myths, they are traditional forms of mostly inestimable age. These myths are usually tribal, transmitted from generation to generation through retelling. The primitive mind state differs from the civilized one primarily in that consciousness is much less developed in extent and intensity. The spontaneity of the act of thinking lies in the unconscious.)

Carl Jung: The Integration of The Personality, P. 285

The Function of the Archetype (On the psychology of the child archetype (1940): In the Pantheon Akademische Verlagsanstallt, Amsterdam and Leipzig 1940, under the title “The Divine Child.)

The child motif not only represents something that has been and is long past but also something present. That means it is not just a remnant but a currently functioning system intended to meaningfully compensate for or correct the inevitable one-sidedness and extravagances of consciousness. The essence of consciousness is concentration on relatively few contents, which are, if possible, increased to a level of complete clarity. Consciousness has a necessary consequence and prerequisite, the exclusion of other contents that are currently equally capable of consciousness. This exclusion inevitably causes a certain one-sidedness in the content of consciousness. Since the differentiated consciousness of civilized people is now given an effective instrument for the practical implementation of its contents in the form of the dynamics of the will, the greater the development of the will, the greater the danger of straying into one-sidedness and of digressing into lawlessness and rootlessness.

On the one hand, this is the possibility of human freedom, but on the other hand, it is also the source of endless instinctual contradictions. Primitive humans are, therefore, characterized – from the point of view of instinct, like animals – by neophobia and attachment to tradition. To our liking, it is embarrassingly backward while we praise progress. On the one hand, our progressiveness makes many of the most beautiful wish fulfillments possible. Still, on the other hand, an equally gigantic Promethean debt accumulates, which from time to time requires repayment in the form of fateful catastrophes. How long has humanity dreamed of flying, and now we have already arrived at aerial bombardments! Today, people laugh at the Christian hope for the afterlife and often fall into chiliasms, which are a hundred times more unreasonable than the idea of a joyful afterlife! Differentiated consciousness is always threatened by uprooting, which is why compensation is required through the still-existing childhood state.

Carl Jung Foreword: The Inner World Of The Child – Carl Jung Depth Psychology

However, from the standpoint of progress, compensation symptoms are formulated in unflattering terms, such as inertia, backwardness, scepticism, nagging, conservatism, timidity, pettiness, etc. But insofar as humanity has a high degree of ability to get rid of its own foundations, it can also allow itself to be carried away uncritically by dangerous one-sidedness and even catastrophe. The retarding ideal is always more primitive, more natural (in a good or bad sense) and more “moral” insofar as it adheres faithfully to the traditional law. The progressive ideal is always more abstract, unnatural, and “immoral,” which requires disloyalty to tradition. Progress forced by will is always hard and cramped. Although backwardness is close to naturalness, it is constantly threatened by an embarrassing awakening. The older view was aware that progress is only possible ‘Deo Concedente’, with which it identifies itself through the possession of opposite consciousness and repeats the ancient >rites d’entrée et de sortie< to a higher level. But the more consciousness differentiates, the greater the danger of its separation from the root state. The complete separation occurs when the ‘Deo Concedente’ is forgotten. It is now a psychological principle that a part of the soul that has been split off from consciousness is only apparently inactivated, but in reality, leads to an obsession of the personality, whereby its objective is distorted in the sense of the part of the soul that has been split off. Suppose the childlike state of the collective soul is repressed to the point of complete exclusion. In that case, the unconscious content takes control of the conscious goal, whereby its realization is inhibited, falsified or even destroyed. However, viable progress only comes about through the cooperation of both. (Archetypen, dtv.)

Children are our fellowship for the future, and our responsibility is to leave a legacy that fosters their growth and development. Thank you for reading.🙏💖🙏

23 thoughts on “The Psychology of The Child Archetype (P4)”

  2. Wow, I’m deeply moved by your post Aladin and the profound connection you’re making between war and children. Bravo! For me the child archetype, when seen as a symbol of hope and new beginnings, takes on a poignant role in the context of war …. representing not only the innocence affected by the conflict but also the potential for renewal and change.

    In places marred by strife, like Gaza, Iran, Ukraine, (sadly, there are too many places to list here!) the child archetype reflects the resilience and vulnerability of those caught in the crossfire, reminding us that amidst destruction, there is a future that yearns to be nurtured and a spirit that refuses to be quelled. It is a dual reminder of what is lost and what could still be gained, urging us to protect and value the sanctity of life and the promise it holds.

    And lastly, in answer to one of your philosophical questions that touched me most, I would say, yes, it’s much better to grow up and continue fighting (however defined) than to die because I feel it is my duty to keep hope alive for the next generation, and the generation after that. Myself, I would choose life again and again, no matter what. However, I accept others make different choices than mine. Love and light, Deborah.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Oh, my lovely angel, I might echo your “wow” for your profound comment. It was hard work for me to write this article besides finding empathy for the family’s illness and taking care of the grandchildren. However, your words give me strength. In the matter of the children of war, I just want to hint that we must be careful not to mix two different worlds. I would agree with you if this war could be righteous, though I don’t believe it is. This war is based only on hatred and mostly ignorance and mainly on the desire for power and enrichment for a few. The children could live together in peace with different beliefs, and yet, with the teaching of hatred and revenge from childhood, there is no hope for living in peace. Nevertheless, your words made me think and consider more. Thank you and blessing.🙏💖🌹😘

      Liked by 3 people

  3. I share all your profound reflections on our terrible present, even if I don’t think it would be better to die as a child to avoid such atrocities (but I must confess that in moments of greatest anguish I too think whether it would have been better to die already)
    However, we should never lose contact with the child within us.

    Do you know what the poet William Wordsworth stated?

    He said “The Child is the Father of the Man”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Great wisdom, my dear Luisa. We might never know how difficult it is for a child in these conditions in which those poor children are trying to exist, but for sure, that is the most terrible situation one can imagine. And under these wise words by William Wordsworth, we must look more deeply at our upsprings. Gratitude, my lovely friend.🤙🙏💖

      Liked by 1 person

  4. The creative energy of children is tremendous. It does us great harm to disconnect the child from our psyche. You hint at the collective repression of that child … it is sadly true that we experience increasingly the terrible results of this neglect.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Throughout my life, there have been times when I could just have given up or, alternatively, fought to bring hope and love back into my life – always I went with it and fought, although I have to admit I’m a little more tired and less energetic as I face challenges and age! I think it was probably my fathers motto – ‘never give up’ coupled with a belief that the universe will come good in it’s own way, that has got me through…together with making sure I give my inner child the attention she needs. It’s so sad to read about all the children in all of the wars who are suffering so much loss and hatred – I can only have hope that they will come through this and hold onto their hopes and dreams of peace.

    I do love the image you’ve used at the top of the page Aladin – perfect for this post, as is the quote from Lao Tzu – thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Dear Lin, thank you for your heart-touching comment. I suppose your father was an optimist, and I, as a pessimist though, with a keen view of survival soul, understand what he meant!
      When we examine the vast universe in depth and compare it with our tiny earth, we may realize that there must be much more behind it. Thank you for pointing out two of my favourite choices. Blessing.🙏💖🌺

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Jean Raffa's avatar Jean Raffa

    Thank you, Aladin for sharing your and Jung’s thoughts on the child archetype in relation to the tragedies of war that are so destructive to not only children and the child in all of us, but our species and all species. War and destruction have always been with us, ever since Zeus battled for superiority over his father Cronus, and Cain killed his brother Abel. Yet we never learn. It seems that the warped, warlike masculine shadow of humanity is bent on punishing and destroying all youthfulness, innocence, and hope for new life.

    Why? There are many reasons, but here’s my psychological take on it: childhood trauma and abuse damage the developing ego to the point that some people with unusually weak and wounded egos are driven to seek power and revenge as adults in order to regain their self-esteem. Sound like anyone we know in today’s world who’s doing that very thing? Somehow it helps a little to know they’re motivated by fear. Anyway, the easiest way to temporarily ease a weak ego’s fear of its own vulnerability is to conquer and dominate others who arouse our fears: for example, women and children who remind us of our despised childhood powerlessness are easy targets. So are other religions that pose a threat to our need to believe our religion is the only real one. Believing this eases our fear and makes us feel superior. So in our ignorance and fear, we blame and destroy others instead of looking within to heal our own wounds.

    This a very timely topic for me, as I am currently writing a series of “letters” (perhaps they’ll become another book) to my own wounded inner child in an attempt to learn to love her instead of denying her hurt. I was loved and cared for as a child and never suffered abuse, but divorce, remarriage, and the death of my father were traumatic enough events to wound a vulnerable ten-year old! So I know what it feels like to want to compensate for our fears by trying to become strong and invulnerable. Like war, this is an age-old issue that will always be with us. Still, it is our burden and responsibility to take the steps to heal ourselves lest we become part of the problem.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Wow! That is a great lesson, my dear Jeane. Honestly, I have often thought about what you just explained, especially when I am faced with an unpleasant situation or a stronger opponent and feel fearful. At that moment, I remind myself that fear is not just for me; the other side is also afraid! However, we both are aware of what is going on with the power seekers and as you know, there are similarities between us and our childhood trauma. Thank you so much for your wise comment.🙏💖

      Like

  8. elainemansfield's avatar elainemansfield

    Thank you, Aladin. Your readers have said everything I could imagine saying. I grieve for the children of this world–the hungry, the wounded, and abandoned–and yet I find myself rejoicing when a friend has a grandchild or even when a baby bird breaks out of its shell. Like so much else, these archetypes are mixed, but if I dream of a child tonight, I will see it as great fortune and a sign of healing. I will rejoice and feel more hope again. May there be life!

    Liked by 4 people

  9. Yes, the world seems on a downward spiral. It’s overpopulated and too many want that; all should live in this cramped space in the manner they believe it should be lived.

    They use hate, war, religious punishments, incarceration, dominance, intimidation, brain washing, marginalization of women, children, elderly & the ill, torture and more.

    Some would just get rid of the problem people.

    You are right. This is what many children are taught.

    I was taught some of these things by some of those ways and means.

    By puberty I saw through it all. Breaking family bonds was necessary for the future. Philosophically uneducated, I found a path through music, then all of the arts.

    Still a child, I taught myself what parents, family and community should have.

    Then again, I did eventually have the benefits of an arts community.

    Aladin, you use a lot of larger words and ideas, but I think you are saying – teach our children well. It helps them grow into complete adults. It helps them positively retain the child within. It makes the world a good world.

    Meanwhile…..Rome burns.

    💖🌻🌟

    Liked by 1 person

    • I don’t know if it comes from genetics or luck, but you have found the right path, my dear Resa.
      You understand me better than I do! Thank you for summarizing my thoughts in a few words. And yes, teaching your children well is a great help; it reminds me of a song by CSN&Y!
      Yet, as meanwhile, Rome burns, we don’t have to sit and play the harp!!

      Your words always help me expand my mind and think more broadly. Thank you, my friend.🙏💖🤙🙏💖

      Liked by 1 person

      • Aladin,
        I think both. Genetics, as I seem to have inherited my paternal grandmother’s intelligence, and my maternal grandmother’s love and kindness.
        Luck, as when I ran away from home, I was lucky not to fall into the hands of criminals, but artists.

        Pardon if my words are simple, but I do make an honest attempt to understand.
        I know if I misunderstand, you will tell me.

        So we both continue to grow our intellects.
        🙏💖🤙🙏💖

        Liked by 1 person

      • I absolutely agreed, my lovely, beautiful lady. We will learn from each other and grow our intellects, and I find the simple way the best as it is the most difficult to take! As Dr Jung says:
        If only simplicity were not the most difficult of all things. It consists of watching objectively the development of any fragment of fantasy.🤗🙏🙏💖😍😘🌹

        Like

  10. Dr. Victor Bodo's avatar Dr. Victor Bodo

    Bend, and you will be whole. Curl, and you will be straight. Keep empty, and you will be filled. Grow old, and you will be renewed.
    Have little, and you will gain. Have much, and you will be confused.

    You know what you are doing. I wish there were more like you, writing about what really matters.

    Liked by 2 people

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