what is illusion? By what criterion do we judge something to be an illusion? Does there exist for the psyche anything which we may call "illusion"? What we are pleased to call such may be for the psyche a most important factor of life-something as indispensable as oxygen for the organism-a psychic actuality of prime importance. Presumably the psyche does not trouble itself about our categories of reality, and it would therefore be the better part of wisdom for us to say: everything that acts is actual.
Illusions are complex concepts that challenge our understanding of reality. C.G. Jung presents the idea that what we label as illusions could be integral to the psyche, serving vital functions similar to oxygen for our physical existence. These illusions may help shape our experiences and mental states, and their significance cannot be overlooked just because they don't fit conventional definitions of reality.
Moreover, the criterion we use to judge something as an illusion may be subjective and rooted in our personal and societal constructs. Jung suggests that the psyche operates beyond these external categories, emphasizing that anything that has a tangible effect or influence is, in a sense, "actual." This perspective invites a deeper exploration of the nature and role of illusions in human life.
