This powerful, newly translated edition of Marie-Louise von Franz’s groundbreaking work, The Problem of the Puer Aeternus: Eternal Youth and Creative Spirit, delves into the enduring impact of the eternal youth archetype. As relevant today as when von Franz first delivered the original lectures upon which the book was based, this work confronts society’s ongoing struggle with maturity, urging us to release the “sack of illusions” we carry from childhood into adulthood. With masterful insight, von Franz strikes a thoughtful balance between shedding these fantasies and guarding against the traps of cynicism. Both a profound mirror and a practical guide, this edition invites readers to examine their own paths, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating a mature identity while preserving the vibrant creativity of youth.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Part One: ‘The Little Prince’ (Saint-Exupéry)
1. The Tragic Beginning
2. The Encounter in the Desert
3. The Goodbye
Part Two: A Practical Study
4. Life
5. The Big Dream
Part Three: ‘The Kingdom without Space’ (Bruno Goetz)
6. The Boys
7. The Great Feast
8. Conflict and Madness
Appendix
Bibliography
Index