The Origins and History of Consciousness (Princeton Classics)

Neuman's ideas and book need considerable study, I think, not only to understand them but to assess them. I had considerable training in archetypal theory in literature, so I hesitated reading Neuman's book. However, Neuman's ideas came alive for me as I worked through the book. Indeed, there were days when I could not get his notions out of my head. I began to see their application everywhere throughout contemporary life. The book added dimensions to my awareness. It has also provided useful explanations to Buddhist teachings in Zen, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen for me. I found the writing difficult to read, sometimes. The writing repeats itself, but in different ways. What one reads in later chapters was often written in an earlier chapter. To be fair, though, that redundancy was helpful as there were some ideas / concepts that I still struggle with definitively--especially when I have to explain them to someone else outside of this field of study. Last, I disagree with reviews who claim that Neuman's book and ideas are dated or no longer applicable. That would be like claiming that the love of a mother for its child is dated and no longer applicable. I think such criticisms are unambiguous signs of a overly emphasized mental-rational point of view. If Neuman's ideas and book say anything, they work to show how much of the experience of life cannot be understood conceptually or rationally.

A difficult read, every paragraph is densely charged with information. That being said, it is a magnificent book, worth the read if you are into Jungian Psychology. Neumann manages to organize and systemise the rather chaotic teachings of Carl Jung, who was a genius, and very difficult to comprehend for his mind did not work in the manner of an ordinary man. Neumann's work is the best shot we mortals will get to understanding the genius of Carl Jung.

A great book, it gives you a comprehensive and understandable rundown of the psychological archetypes and their significance in mythology. Take your time with the book, there's a lot of ground to cover if you're unfamiliar with Jungian psychology. It will probably be a lot to take in though it is an undoubtedly fun ride. Also for whatever it's worth, if you're a fan of Jordan Peterson this book would be invaluable to you if you want to understand what he's actually saying when he talks of the archetypal stories and their significance. Though as always, don't let your excitement over these concepts stop you from being mindful that there's always another perspective.

Maravilloso Libro!!! Entregado a tiempo y en muy buena calidad. Lo recomiendo en Inglés.

"Copyright 1954" with subsequent printings. The lack of disclosing original publication dates thru Amazon never ceases to disappoint me. Nevertheless, the foreword and 1st pg. of introduction lend to the book's depth, I am excited to learn more.

Neumann is a fricken genius. Profound unraveling ouf the individuation process within the human tapestry of collective mythical entanglement.

I'm slugging through this tome, but it seems to me to be the middle of a conversation. Knowing what should come first would make understanding the premise the author is making easier to grasp. Also, he makes many statements about how things are with little supporting evidence other than somebody else said something about that topic. I guess very much of "science" is that way.

Explains that consciousness development is a part of the culture.

Exactly as expected.

A potentially life changing experience. Profound yet accessible.

The book’s cover was damaged: it had a piece or cardboard sticked to it, almost impossible to remove. And once removed, the cover is all sticky and nasty. On top of that, the book took around 3 weeks to arrive, and it didn’t mention anything about it at the moment of buying. Really disappointed!!

After reading Maps of Meaning, by Jordan Peterson, I took up the task of diving deeper into the subject of the archetypes, our biology and how it reflects onto our symbolic world, and this book certainly provided many answers, but be aware, that this book could change you at a level so deep that there is no coming back from it. However, if you are interested in how we actually came to be the way we are now, it is highly recommended. This book is very dense, so take your time.

The author does a fine job in connecting mythology with archetypes and in giving an overview of the archetypal evolution of man. I happen to find it just when I needed this sort of a book without having to go through every mythology of every culture, in a Q and A with Jordan Peterson (back when he wasn't that famous). A broader interest in naked-eye astronomy and astrology could greatly help in making the most out of this book.