Collective unconscious

The collective unconscious is a concept developed by psychologist Carl Jung. It refers to a part of the unconscious mind that is shared among all humans, containing inherited memories, instincts, and experiences. Unlike personal unconsciousness, which relates to individual experiences, the collective unconscious includes universal themes and symbols, like archetypes (e.g., hero, mother) that appear across cultures in myths, dreams, and stories. This idea suggests that we all share a common psychological heritage that influences our thoughts, behaviors, and creative expressions, regardless of cultural differences.