The Collective Unconscious

The collective unconscious is a concept by psychologist Carl Jung, referring to structures of the unconscious mind shared among all humans. It contains archetypes—universal symbols and themes—like the mother, hero, or shadow—that influence our thoughts, dreams, and behaviors regardless of individual experience. These shared elements are inherited and form a foundation for human psychology, connecting us across cultures and history. The collective unconscious helps explain common motifs found in myths, art, and religion worldwide, highlighting a deep, shared mental framework that shapes human perception and experience beyond personal memories.