The Lasting Relevance and Vision of Erich Neumann’s Work
Erich Neumann was a close friend and collaborator of C.G. Jung. Even though 30 years younger, he challenged Jung’s thinking on many occasions, pushing him to re-examine concepts and viewpoints regarding analytical psychology. In these lectures, I will begin with an introduction to Erich Neumann, looking at who this exceptional man was, his relationship with Jung, and his move from Berlin to Palestine before WWII. I will also explore a series of watercolors he painted after his move and during the war to get to know him more personally as well as witness his psychological struggles in his new homeland at a very turbulent time in history.
From there I will turn to examining the correspondence between Neumann and Jung, and then delve into Neumann’s early writings, focusing on his work on the stages of development of consciousness, considering the results when it is successful, and what the individual and cultural implications are when it is not successful. The seeds of all Neumann’s other writings and interests will be touched upon as well. These include: a new ethic and the nature of evil, the roots of Jewish consciousness, the brother motif, stages of consciousness, mythology, the Great Mother, development of the feminine, and the child. Neumann presented all his works with creative passion, extensive experience, and extensive knowledge, and they continue to be an important resource for the understanding of depth psychology. His writings are a deep well that we can revisit to nourish the creative sources of our own work as therapists and our lives as individuating human beings.
