DISCERNING LIFE'S QUESTIONS

According to JUNG

J.W. BERTOLOTTI

How comfortable are you with questions that have no answer? The psychologist Carl Jung suggested, “The greatest and most important problems of life are all in a certain sense insoluble.” There are questions in life that can never be solved — only outgrown. This ‘outgrowing’, observed Jung, consists of a new level of consciousness.

In Memories, Dreams, and Reflections, Jung wrote,

"The meaning of my existence is that life has addressed a question to me. Or, conversely, I myself am a question which is addressed to the world, and I must communicate my answer, for otherwise, I am dependent upon the world’s answer."

The writer Alan Watts suggested people get fouled up because they want the world to have meaning as words do. As if your meaning connects to a mere word or you were something that could be looked up in a dictionary. “You are meaning,” stressed Watts.

Similarly, the psychologist Viktor Frankl insisted we should not ask what the meaning of his life is but rather must recognize that it is us who are asked. “In a word, everyone is questioned by life, and they can only answer to life by answering for their own life.”

What is life questioning you?

Although even if we discover life’s questions it does not mean we can ever have complete certainty of the answer. Jung explained, “Psychological or spiritual development always requires a greater capacity for anxiety and ambiguity.” Likewise, the theologian Thomas Merton suggested that we don’t need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. All we need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment and embrace them.

How comfortable are you with not knowing?

Jung observed,

“I have frequently seen people become neurotic when they content themselves with inadequate or wrong answers to the questions of life. They seek position, marriage, reputation, and outward success of money, and remain unhappy and neurotic even when they have attained what they were seeking.”

Finding meaning requires us to listen for and navigate life’s questions. While at the same time accepting the notion that many of life’s questions have no answer.

To quote Jung a final time: 

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”

MAKE A DONATION

Your generous support helps J.W. Bertolotti to facilitate meaningful conversations on the art of living.

GET UPDATES

Get regular updates from Simon regarding upcoming events, works, or projects in The Sanctuary.

Welcome, patrons of The Humanities!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to J.W. Bertolotti and his initiatives with Reading and the Good Life.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Brandon Tumblin and his initiatives in the Strong Stoic Grove.

Welcome, patrons of PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Juan Perez and his initiatives within The Agora Grove.

JOIN TO ENTER THIS ROOM

Enroll now to enter The Sanctuary.

SEEKER

$29.95* per week to get access to all classes and  forums, and a copy of
The Poet & The Sage when you enrol.

*Members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society get 20% off this grove.

STUDENT

All Seeker benefits, plus up to four one-on-one philosophical mentoring sessions per month, starting at $100 per session.

*Members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society get $25 off per session.

SUNDAY SEEKER

Attend a weekly event on Sundays, exploring sacred and philosophical texts. Free for Caretakers of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society.

ENROLLMENT

Join our growing community of seekers and citizens from around the world who are rediscovering their humanity and connectedness by way of the philosophical and spiritual path.

$15.95 weekly

SEEKER

Get access to regular classes, courses, workshops, and resources. Plus, get 10% off TWG store and access to member-only forums.

ENROLL

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

Depending on the assignment, you may need to upload multiple files. Most file types are accepted, but please let me know if you need assistance (email simon@simonjedrew.com)

Welcome, patrons of The Humanities!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Simon J. E. Drew and his initiatives within The Sanctuary Grove.

INTERVIEW REQUEST

To interview me on your podcast, or to have me speak at your next event or gathering, simply fill in the form below and I’ll be in touch as soon as possible. 

Welcome, patrons of PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Sharon Lebell and her initiatives within this Grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

100% of your donation will go toward the building and growing of our community in The Walled Garden Philosophical Society.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Prof. Joe Siracusa and his initiatives in this grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Judith Stove and Simon Drew and their initiatives in this grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Kai Whiting and Chris Fisher and their initiatives in the Dirk Mahling Memorial Stoa.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF MINDFULNESS!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to David Alexander and his initiatives in the Prosoche Project Grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Judith Stove and her initiatives in the Roots of the Garden Grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Rocco Jarman and his initiatives in this Grove.

WELCOME, PATRONS OF PHILOSOPHY!

Of your donation, 20% will go to The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, and 80% to Rocco & Simon and their initiatives in this Grove.

We use cookies to analyse our website traffic in order to enhance your experience. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please press DECLINE and read our Privacy Policy.

We use cookies to analyse our website traffic in order to enhance your experience. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please press DECLINE and read our Privacy Policy.