Carl Jung & Individuation - Dr Kevin Lu, PhD

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In this lecture, we will look at Jung’s theory of individuation, where he maps out a path of psychological personality development that, ideally, culminates in greater self-knowledge. Intricately linked to this process is a gradual unfolding of the archetypal Self, which can be understood as an ideal image that both drives and is the end goal of individuation.
While this lecture seeks to provide an in-depth introduction to this central concept in Jung’s psychology, we will also ask some important critical questions: Is individuation an elitist endeavour? Can individuation be achieved without being in relationship to others? Most importantly, is individuation, as Jung conceived it, still possible in our hi-tech and digitally connected world?
Reading Recommendations:
Samuels, A., Shorter, B., Plaut, A. (1986) A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul plc.
Jung, C., Von Franz, M-L., Henserson, J. (1964) Man and His Symbols. London: Pan Books
Dr Kevin Lu, PhD, is Director of Graduate Studies and Director of the MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Jungian Studies.
Dr. Lu’s publications include articles and chapters on Jung’s relationship to the discipline of history, critical assessments of the theory of cultural complexes, and Jungian perspectives on graphic novels and their adaptation to film.
Links:
- Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: bit.ly/new-talks5
- Check out our next event: theweekenduniversity.com/events/
- Information on the MA in Jungian & Post Jungian Studies: vimeo.com/67385596

[@lisawanderess]

Have a drink every time he says “right?” 🍻 😂

[@straightline76]

So glad somebody pointed that out. Terrible idiosyncrasy from someone lecturing on a subject of self awareness. Not a bad outline of individuation, though, far more accurate than most.

[@elcoyote9410]

It's so annoying

[@lovehannington]

Came here to say this and this alone

[@hussienmohammed2914]

He only caught it after the first half an hour of the lecture... a nuerotic sign of stress bearing threshold. It is an irony that he talks about individuation while he hasnt yet developed the persona!!

[@DigitalPsyche]

‘Academia chooses you’. As a concept, it should not. It is not a monolith. As an institution, it is full of gatekeepers. Despite hearing similar encouragement, that I could write my own ticket to a top tier graduate programme, I walked away. I worked. I existed in the world. I came back and started my PhD to change what I see as wrong in the discipline. Academia doesn’t want me but Science does.

[@cheri238]

Interesting, which science?

[@DigitalPsyche]

@@cheri238 Science isn’t ice-cream. There are no flavours. Science is Science.

[@AJewFR0]

@@DigitalPsychedeflection? lol

[@guruaiyar796]

This is an amazing lecture. I ventured into Jung about a year ago. This is perhaps the best talk that encapsulates Jung's concept of Individuation. Kevin Lu is an excellent professor. More power to you sir

[@martinbajsic4836]

Good observation.. I’ve made the same venture some 4/5 years ago yet I keep revisiting this lecture again and again

[@photosphotos]

Once you hear him say right you’ll not be able to pay attention to anything he says except to hear the word ‘right’ lmao 😂

[@cherichase1699]

Speak for yourself my friend, you are projecting your own resistance to the word.

[@photosphotos]

@@cherichase1699 “right”

[@wizzardlately705]

Please correct me if I'm wrong in the opinion that Jungian Individuation is fundamentally about becoming an 'individual'. That is a person who self-actualises rather than someone who matches their internal motivation/wishes/desires to an outer world opportunity. Now, I'm all for matching the outer world with an inner drive, but to Individuate one must become whole, a complete personality. That means realising that the combination of parts, instinct, conscious, unconscious and all it's components are in fact expressed in the journey to the realisation of the Self, which in potentia we are. To quote Jung 'Those who look out dream, those who look within awaken!'

[@jensstergaard2073]

The Basic meaning of " Individuation " as describe from C.G. Jung is just the very same as " TAO " ( accient Chinese Philosofi ) and just how do I know that, you may ask..C.G.Jung WROTE IT " The proces of Individuation " ☯

[@cheri238]

@@jensstergaard2073 How true

[@jensstergaard2073]

@@cheri238 Thank you so very much ❤

[@henrikwakman7776]

Nice, concise and genuinely interesting talk.

[@teresabuot-smith3536]

His vernacular is unique. No need to bash him. I happen to think he is knowledgeable!

[@karinalevin8888]

He is a great speaker! It sounds like a bit of a nervous tick to say right at the end of every sentence. Content and delivery of information is great!

[@andruwne802]

Agreed wholeheartedly

[@celiajarvis3168]

I was going to comment the same - it's a nervous tick. He uses the word 'right' instead of a short pause of a comma (about ¼ - ½ second). Very knowledgeable.

[@yanjun4848]

clear explantion and good guide

[@jdloer]

this is so mental, this young man indeed reads and reads but understands not, very typical of Academia, just a regurgitation of data and not inner grasp of the psychic phenomena that we all are.

[@that1legokid886]

this is good, informative…riiiiight???

[@ajayb3359]

Very deep insights Dr Kevin - thanks for your efforts in sharing these with all of us. Have heard your earlier lectures on Jung as well and agree with other posters that these are much better than most others on YT.

[@sccnmx]

That last question destroyed my soul lmao; it's the element of "perhaps" that bothers me. Great lecture, thank you!

[@lisagouldson8373]

yes i am living proof i have through suffering started healing myself & still learning at peace & have understanding on many levels & i educated myself too So i know i wasn’t crazy though to the masses i would be labelled with this title But i don’t care i know truth 🙌💯👏👏👏

[@theotherguy4957]

This talk is one of the best I've heard this year!! I'm really grateful! It's modern - and well adjusted to the factual life of any persona.

[@juliewebster716]

Distracting the number of time he punctuated his delivery with ‘right ‘ - otherwise so very good 👍 Right !

[@belsaadiahmedyassine9266]

thank you so much

[@Reymundodonsayo]

Right!

[@-VP-696]

Absolutely excellent lecture. Very interestingly outlayed! Although a scientific topic, not at all boring, it kept my interest all the way!! Thank you very much

[@dotimestwo]

-Say “right” one more time

[@darrenrafel9464]

lmao! right?

[@nathaniel1469]

The amount of times he says "right" at the end of a sentence got under my skin right away 😂

[@JackHandy7385]

Thats what happens when you fill your brain with nonsense. Listening to real human beings speak in lecture format and having experience listening to lectures and other intellectual conversations, you are naturally exposed to these nuances. IF you're used to filling your brain with mindless garbage entertainment where every line is perfectly planned out, i can see how something so minor could distract you from the topic at hand. Some people are meant for college, some arent 🤷

[@nathaniel1469]

@@JackHandy7385 Wrong. A well articulated speech will not be filled with filler words like "Right", at the end of every sentence. Every work meeting, lecture, teaching, sermon, and just about every public presentation I've ever heard is not filled with such things. Your comment is very judgemental and critical, get a life.

[@JackHandy7385]

@@nathaniel1469This isnt a "well articulated speech" is what im trying to convey to you. You aren't understanding this at the level of terms. This is a lecture. And when you get to the point where you are experienced listening to lectures, you will understand what im saying. Right now, you're just a guy that doesn't normally listen to lectures blowing air out of his ass.

[@herbzrgreen]

Thank you for this Excellent presentation! 🙏🔥💚Balance through Will of Compassion.

[@Unvaccinatedpureblood]

Another reason why I said Lu copped out: Jung never said one had to have a family. If having a family makes it difficult for you to realize your own potential, by all means don’t start a family. One can rationally arrive the conclusion that passing on one’s genes is a preposterous notion in light of our understanding of how genes are fragmented and recombined in sexual reproduction and of a guaranteed future of genetically engineered babies a la The Brave New World. Most people simply live out a common life and complain that they can’t do this and that because of the choices THEY THEMSELVES MADE!

[@timmeagher5662]

Maybe individuation is the merging of prefrontal cortex with the rest of the brain and it's an evolutionary step.

[@oogachaka3447]

It starts at birth.

[@wizzardlately705]

As I understand it the prefrontal cortex IS already connected to the rest of the brain in normal circumstances. To 'merge' it (physically?) would require the separate neurological parts to become one completely unseparated whole, whereupon the complex would cease to operate the selective functions which it does today.

[@timmeagher5662]

@@wizzardlately705 have you ever taken acid.

[@tiger05rtc]

I think you are pretty close

[@Fefe559]

I am sorry the verbal tic - can’t hear the lecture - I think I am counting now

[@johnstewart7025]

The choice between sanity and paying the mortgage or taking care of the kids seems like an easy decision, but it depends on how endangered your sanity is. Your kids may not be safe if you DON'T take care of your sanity first

[@mills8102]

Is individuation a "one and done" or is it better understood as a potentially iterative process?

[@DJSTOEK]

Thanks

[@pinaronta]

I love watching you but can't help wondering on the excessive use of the word 'right' 😀

[@wendyfellows7333]

Also, I had to stop listening after the “Hero’s Journey” section where he said ‘actually’ sometimes

[@nimoabdulle6421]

@@wendyfellows7333 Right?

[@sumedhyadav6572]

I read this comment before starting the vid. I can't get his use of 'right' out of my mind now!!

[@philipcharles8218]

We are able to see the path but yet we must choose it.

[@michaelzonta]

CAn't hear the audience questions. Can't see the images shown clearly.

[@AR-vf7vg]

Dr Kevin Lu, right ? well -right? ..I mean; we could -right?, ask right here -right?- if it is quiet right -right? to not ask rightfully, -right? if to say, for instance 'right' all the time -right? is quite right. Right? I mean, yes right, if that it is quite right. -Right? Not quiet right that You -right, shall seek constantly - right?, to be reassured like that -right? by us all, right? Many psycogical minded personas -right? do just that -right? in an intimidating, to a diminishing effect -right? right inappropriately.

[@-VP-696]

I actually like the rights! Because they engage the audience! An it is a very interesting talk

[@almaribo2804]

Right! 😒

[@IulianaBriceag]

Uhh I just cannot focus on the lecture cause of the “right”…. :(

[@samuelrappaport6162]

That’s cause your weird didn’t even notice it until I went into the comments focus on the information being conveyed

[@vincentpsychsa-existential]

Excellent lecture, BUT, I completely disagree with the statement that individuation is political. If anything, it's actually the opposite. True individuation allows one to see BEYOND politics. Philip Rieff wrote in the 60s about a "therapeutic society", we are seeing this now with masses self-diagnosing and everyone trying to find themselves by imposing their particular ideology on others. This reveals a stunning LACK of individuation. Jung never advocated for political activism.

[@MrDogyesiam]

This is by far the best lecture on this topic I've seen on KZbin. Most of the videos out there either make this topic uselessly mysterious or on the other hand too academic. The truth of the matter is I was too interested in what he was actually saying to be distracted by his 'rights'. And anyone who was specifically hearing only that needs to rethink their interest in this subject. This is probably not for you.

[@zeem.5085]

Well said.

[@that1legokid886]

Riiiiiiight?

[@robertaguilar919]

About the strong aversion to Lu’s use of “right” : it may be intentional, as a primer for the hard work involved in applying the content of this lecture

[@lynnroots7556]

Absolutely.... and BRAVO to you and your insight 💕💕💕

[@andruwne802]

Anything with content like this is unique and very valuable.

[@elcoyote9410]

International? Lol no. It's a tick

[@strato5135]

Individuation sounds analogous to lifting weights with your non-dominant hand. Both arms have equal strength, a wholeness and balance.

[@tomszumlic8971]

Right, right, right,????

[@-VP-696]

I actually like it! It is much more informal and it adds pauses to allow you to think what he has said. I love how he presents the topic...

[@PiggySquisherCaleb]

Right?

[@ronaldoferreira594]

Too many... right? right?

[@leematthews6812]

After reading the comments, I started a count. Nine unnecessary "right"'s at the end of sentences...in the first minute! I sure won't be going any further if that's the standard throughout the lecture!

[@powerpopulist1764]

Absolutely maddening it is! Great content terribly delivered.Like water torture.

[@sjimmy30]

Right

[@vampirexorcist]

it becomes unbearable if you cant stop to get annoyed every time he says right

[@lisawanderess]

Right? 😂

[@whartonbizzo]

This man has a future as an academic.🍁

[@carladenhoed794]

Listen to this song; Peter Gabriel Blood of Eden, it’s about this topic

[@michealfults]

O right?

[@pinaronta]

Honestly what a shame. I want to stop watching because of ' rights' tried to ignore it still trying i hope i can learn to ignore and listen to full lecture

[@photosphotos]

‘Right’ 😂😂😂😂😂

[@dramamask]

I think the bloke in the video is unconscious of his overuse of the word ‘right’. Right?

[@VM-hl8ms]

or very conscious and direct link between mass neurosis of our times?

[@philipcharles8218]

Heaven on earth. One foot on land and one foot in the water. In one pocket im a grain of sand and in the other im the entire universe. How can i bring what is inside to the outside world and how i notice the outside effects the inside. Effect and affect. 🙏

[@burningstrawman2589]

Had to cut this lecture short. It was just too annoying, "right"?

[@lynnroots7556]

WRONG !!! OLELO

[@rafidka_]

I just hope he said "right" less.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

Did Carl Jung call himself Carl Young?

[@LeChakaraka]

Good talk despite the “rights”!

[@ndronny]

That’s right

[@JoesephZen]

Lovely lecture, but the comments are just not right...nope

[@philipcharles8218]

Heaven on earth. To have one foot on land and one foot in the water. To bring what i have inside to the outside world and to notice how the outside world effects the inside. Effect affect. In one pocket im a grain of sand and in the other im the entire universe.

[@PClanner]

So - how many times does he say "right"... This is not a professional presentation where the instructor uses a thought word or a fill word often. Offputting and once you have heard it, you will cease to enjoy the talk.

[@rebeccalankford8573]

Individuation should not come in the second half of life and by finances. Rather, it should be through our school years and through the churches. Self realization, self awarness, self actualization and self determination all should be taught throught. Not during a breakdown which is when most turn to so called therapy. Therapy in which not only is costly but many so called therapist are CLUELESS themselves. They want to check boxes and fit a program. Far from anything individual. Lol Also, why is littary devises not taught through out school years. Why is these university or therapy teachings? Smh People will make turning on a light switch complicated as hell to justify the cat and mose game $$$. Individuation then career, family, mortage. Individuation should be a part of growing up to the greatest degree possible - throughout. Healthier people, happier people are a must for a healthy society. Why does individuation and the collective have to be opposing? Why can they not be Interconnected? I do think individuation and self actualization are similar if not the same. Would like to know of any differences.

[@tiger05rtc]

Individuation is the opposite of self actualization as one is about the outer world and your ego and the former is about the sprit of the unconscious. The two must become one as the father and the son per Christ and his father.

[@gahaideri2199]

too much use of the word “right” seem awkward badly.

[@philliptaylor5386]

50 quid a session?! What planet is this?!?! Therapy is AT LEAST 200 or more a session!

[@philliptaylor5386]

I refute that there are other modalities to find this. Doubly that you need therapy to achieve “individuation”.

[@d.a2026]

Riiiight?

[@asiaolson4683]

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” -Jesus, Gospel of Thomas

[@mrthirdeyeching]

Bringing intersectionality into this lecture was in poor taste. The process of individuation is about embracing one’s uniqueness and embracing who one really is at the core, not focusing on differences between is. I think you are poorly misinformed. Read more Jung...

[@machsij]

He uses “right” a lot

[@KD9-37]

im struggling to watch the lecture because of just how constantly he uses and abuses "rightttt" >_

[@thingsandstuff9529]

NO. LEFT.🎉

[@comeawaywithme]

I love that intersectionality and access to privilege were mentioned as possible impediments to this process. Refreshing

[@mrthirdeyeching]

You are poorly misinformed as to what individuation is. Go read Jung.

[@xace7700]

Left

[@burningstrawman2589]

Wrong

[@Unvaccinatedpureblood]

I am afraid Dr. Lu copped out. Jung did marry well. But he would have done well for himself anyway because he was intelligent and knew what he wanted. Individuation is not for everyone. One has to have some intelligence and an awareness that he was born with. I am pretty sure that Jung started this journey, without him being aware of it, way before he realized. I am tempted to use myself as an example. But that would be too narcissistic. In my opinion, Jung is for the few. One doesn’t study Jung to individuate. That would have happened without Jung. It’s something innate. You either have the seed or not. One either has what it takes to establish himself or not. If one doesn’t have what it takes to do well in this world, all talks about individuation becomes a moot point, a fantasy for escapism. You are what you were born with.

[@tiger05rtc]

The point is to find what you were born with and come to unite with it, instead of conforming to the external world for comfort and reduction of risk.

[@photosphotos]

Can anyone be bothered to count how many times he says ‘right’ after every comment or perhaps we could all just guess. I think at least 500 times 😂

[@f.364]

Can you please stop saying right at the end of every sentence? Thanks

[@marthadisarlo9011]

It drives me crazy. Not much better than “um” and very distracting. It’s an excellent presentation but please fix this mannerism.

[@swampfox3780]

Right?

[@swampfox3780]

It’s part of his flow as a speaker and as a thought practitioner. You try giving half as good of a lecture, buddy.

[@suzannebrach2812]

I got so distracted by the number of times you use the filler word “right”. Your message is valuable but please work on eliminating this word from your talks.

[@arterial]

Why the fuck is someone going to therapy 4 times a week?!? A war victim or horrible trauma, perhaps, otherwise it's a racket.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

For those who desire to know themselves. Obviously it's not for you.

[@malgorzata.mrugala]

First and foremost, you mispronounce the surname of Carl Gustav Jung, though it does not bother you to talk about him. Due to the nationality of the scholar, it is [JUng] not [JAng]. Just for your information ;)

[@elipearson8194]

Stop saying "right? "

[@-VP-696]

I actually like them... They engage the audience. And we shouldn't focus on a tiny negative detail, but on the general exquisite talk

[@mikearvisu]

Curiosity brought me here. Unfortunately, I have a low threshold for speakers that overuse “you know”, you know what I mean, ummm, ahhh, am I making sense, and now this. RIGHT?? I would leave the room at some point. No one can dump trash in my mind even if it comes with a ton of good words. RIGHT?? No one has a monopoly on knowledge. RIGHT?? Someone else can share the same concepts without the trash words. RIGHT?? Not even 1/4 of the clip and I’m gone….RIGHT??? RIGHT???

[@ReubenPsychol.]

CAN YOU PLEASE STOP SAYING "O' RIGHT"? It borders on the unbearable! O'right? I'm leaving -before 5 minutes went by.

[@vz4779]

I had to stop watching, the "rights" were too much.

[@stephenbarnes9096]

Me too.

[@lynnroots7556]

How sad 😢that deterred you ! He’s so intelligent , humble and charming !

[@darrenrafel9464]

it's disappointing that he says the word right constantly, he sounds very knowledgeable but it makes it unbearable to listen to.

[@user-bw1kz8eg3l]

Why do you exclaim or ask ‘right?’ at the end of almost every sentence. It is really disgusting! You should get rid of this terrible habit.

[@elcoyote9410]

Do not play the drinking game with the word "right"? In this video. It won't go well. This guys got serious issues

[@paulolevisilveirateixeira2903]

inflation all over on Instagram 😂😅 🎉 what a lecture 👏🏾 thanks for this❤Eureka

[@davidjohnzenocollins]

"Is individuation an elitist project?" YES! IT IS.

[@mrthirdeyeching]

Ridiculous assertion. Clearly you have not read Jung.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

David Collins....Nonsense. Whose idea is this?

[@Element-oe8hn]

Almost one "Right?" every sentence, right? Awful.

[@hussienmohammed2914]

What an irony, Kevin hasnt yet developed a persona.

[@boredpersonful98]

Take a shot everytime this guy says “right” shits annoying

[@JOED338]

Too many “rights “. Had to stop watching, all I hear is the word “right”.

[@joybagasala3545]

this is a boring lecture..stop this.

[@erolfox]

Right?

[@machsij]

He uses “right” a lot

[@sobaaasobaaa8564]

Right?

[@joelmcentire1]

Right?

[@MustafaBiggun]

Right?