Thomas Carlyle: 'Originality is a thing we constantly clamour for, and constantly quarrel with.'

Originality is a thing we constantly clamour for, and constantly quarrel with.

In his insightful remark, Thomas Carlyle captures the paradoxical relationship humans have with originality. He asserts that while we crave and seek out originality, we also find ourselves in constant conflict with it. The quote encompasses a profound truth about human nature and the dynamics that underlie the way we engage with innovative ideas and creative expressions. It invites us to reflect on our contradictory tendencies and explores the deeper implications of this paradox within our lives. However, to further delve into the nuances of originality and expand the scope of this discussion, I would like to introduce the concept of the "collective unconscious," as defined by the renowned psychologist Carl Jung.The straightforward interpretation of Carlyle's quote lies in the fact that society continuously demands originality from its members. We applaud individuals who break free from conventions and present us with fresh perspectives. However, as Carlyle rightly claims, we also quarrel with originality. This may stem from a primal fear of the unknown or a resistance to embrace change. At times, our aversion to originality can be found in the all-too-common critique that genuine innovation is impossible in today's world, as everything has been done before. Yet, it is precisely this paradox that makes Carlyle's quote so compelling and worthy of further exploration.Now, let us turn our attention to Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious. According to Jung, the collective unconscious refers to the psychological inheritance that all humans share, consisting of archetypes, symbols, and patterns of behavior that transcend cultural and individual differences. It is a reservoir of ancestral memories and universal experiences that shape our perceptions and actions, often unconsciously. This concept, when juxtaposed with Carlyle's quote, introduces a philosophical lens that can shed light on the origins of our conflicted relationship with originality.Jung's concept of the collective unconscious suggests that our resistance to originality may arise from a subconscious attachment to familiar patterns and established norms. As individuals, we are deeply influenced by the collective unconscious, which shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. Consequently, when confronted with original ideas or expressions, we may instinctively recoil due to a perceived deviation from the collective and the subsequent dissonance it creates.On the other hand, the collective unconscious can also be a catalyst for seeking out originality. Within this expansive reservoir of shared human experiences lies the potential for inspiration and innovation. As Carl Jung himself noted, it is from the collective unconscious that creative individuals tap into archetypal motifs and symbols, enabling them to produce novel and original works that resonate universally.By juxtaposing Jung's concept of the collective unconscious with Carlyle's quote, we can begin to dismantle the contradiction at the heart of our relationship with originality. Instead of viewing originality and its conflicting reception as a dichotomy, we can approach it as a dynamic interplay between the conscious and unconscious aspects of our psyche. Our conscious desire for originality contends with the unconscious inclination toward familiarity, stability, and the known.Understanding this interplay allows us to recognize the crucial role of balance in our engagement with originality. The tension between embracing the new and staying connected to the collective unconscious can lead to meaningful and sustainable transformations in various domains of life. It is through this delicate balance that we can foster a society where originality is valued without being dismissed or resented, where innovation thrives without being disconnected from our shared human experiences.In conclusion, Thomas Carlyle's quote encapsulates the paradoxical nature of our relationship with originality, where we simultaneously clamor for it and quarrel with it. By introducing Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious, we expand our understanding of why this paradox exists. Our unconscious attachment to familiar patterns and shared human experiences often conflicts with our conscious desire to embrace uniqueness and innovation. Reflecting on this interplay invites us to find a harmonious balance between the known and the unknown, resulting in a more authentic and progressive engagement with originality.