Theories of the unconscious

Theories of the unconscious explore parts of the mind we aren't aware of but influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sigmund Freud proposed that the unconscious holds repressed memories, desires, and fears shaping us beneath conscious awareness. Carl Jung viewed it as a collective repository of shared symbols and archetypes that inform our understanding of the world. Other perspectives see the unconscious as processes like automatic thinking or habits that operate without deliberate effort. Together, these theories suggest a hidden mental landscape impacting our decisions and personalities, often beyond our immediate awareness.