Carl Jung: The Second Half of Life
From “ego” to “self” can manifest as restlessness, a sense of emptiness, or questioning our life choices. It can be unsettling
Life feels like a continuous forward motion — a progression towards an expected end. Between now and then, we go through phases. According to Carl Jung, the iconic Swiss psychiatrist, the first half of our lives is driven by the ego, the conscious self that interacts with the world. We try to fit in, pursue careers and build our lives around societal expectations. We acquire the skills and knowledge needed for life. We establish ourselves in society. Most people focus on outward expansion or pursue external goals. They lay firm foundations for their identities to evolve.
As we approach midlife, a natural turning point emerges. While life often unfolds in a linear narrative, Jung observed a distinct subtle shift midway through life. He called it the “second half of life — “ an inward search for our whole selves and meaning that transcends the superficialities of youth. The ego’s dominance wanes, and a new force emerges the “true self.” A deeper, archetypal aspect of the human psyche that represents our wholeness, our conscious and unconscious selves. It yearns for integration, reconciliation with our shadow aspects, and a connection to something larger…
