Words like Society and State are so concretized that they are almost personified. In the opinion of the man in the street, the State, far more than any king in history, is the inexhaustible giver of all good; the State is invoked, made responsible, grumbled at, and so on and so forth. Society is elevated to the rank of a supreme ethical principle; indeed, it is even credited with positively creative capacities.
In "The Undiscovered Self," C.G. Jung reflects on how concepts like Society and State have become heavily embedded in the public consciousness. People often see the State as a primary source of benefits and support, attributing all forms of good to it much more than to historical monarchs. This perspective leads individuals to frequently rely on the State, holding it accountable for various societal issues and blessings alike, indicating a deep intertwining of expectations and responsibilities.
Furthermore, Jung explores the notion that Society is perceived almost as a moral authority, elevated to a position of supreme ethical importance. It is often viewed as having the power to create and shape culture, morals, and well-being, leading individuals to imbue it with an almost divine significance. This personification of abstract concepts highlights the profound impact that these ideas have on human behavior and social dynamics, revealing how they influence our understanding of community and governance.
