Edward Bond: 'Our unconscious is not more animal than our conscious, it is often even more human.'

Our unconscious is not more animal than our conscious, it is often even more human.

The quote by Edward Bond, "Our unconscious is not more animal than our conscious, it is often even more human," is an intriguing statement that sheds light on the nature of our subconscious mind. At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to equate the unconscious with being more human than the conscious. However, upon closer examination, this quote challenges our conventional understanding of what it means to be human and introduces us to an unexpected philosophical concept: the paradoxical nature of human consciousness.The straightforward interpretation of Bond's quote suggests that our unconscious mind, often associated with primal instincts and desires, is not necessarily more animalistic than our conscious mind. It implies that our hidden thoughts, dreams, and emotions are equally human, if not more so, than our rational and conscious thoughts. This assertion invites us to delve deeper into the complexities of human nature and to question the prevailing belief that our conscious mind is the epitome of our humanity.To fully comprehend the significance of this quote, we must explore the depths of our subconscious and the various layers that constitute our consciousness. Our conscious mind, often associated with logical reasoning and decision-making, is only the tip of the iceberg. It is, in a way, our public persona that we present to the world—an acquired behavior molded by societal norms and expectations. However, beneath the surface lies a vast reservoir of unconscious thoughts, memories, and desires that shape our perception of reality.The concept of the unconscious mind has long fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and artists alike. It was Sigmund Freud, the renowned Austrian neurologist, who first brought the concept of the unconscious into mainstream consciousness. According to Freud, the unconscious harbors our repressed experiences, unresolved conflicts, and hidden desires that influence our behavior and shape our personalities. While Freud's theories have been critiqued and expanded upon by subsequent scholars, his notion of the unconscious as a crucial element of human psyche lingers in contemporary discourse.In light of this, Bond's quote takes on a deeper meaning as it highlights the significance of acknowledging and exploring our unconscious mind. By regarding our unconscious as being "even more human," Bond suggests that our hidden selves contain the essence of who we truly are, free from societal facades and external influences. It is in our dreams, fantasies, and emotions that we often catch glimpses of our most authentic selves, unfiltered by conscious control.To further illuminate this paradoxical concept, we can draw upon the philosophy of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and protégé of Freud. Jung delved into the depths of the unconscious and introduced the idea of the collective unconscious—an inherent part of the human psyche shared by all individuals. According to Jung, the collective unconscious is comprised of archetypes, universal symbols and patterns that are imprinted in our collective human experience, transcending cultural and historical boundaries.Comparing and contrasting the ideas of Freud and Jung offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between our conscious and unconscious minds. While Freud emphasizes the personal and individual aspects of the unconscious, Jung looks beyond the personal to the collective dimensions of our hidden selves. Both theories highlight the profound influence of the unconscious on our thoughts, actions, and perceptions, challenging the notion that our conscious mind solely defines our humanity.In conclusion, Edward Bond's quote provokes us to reassess our understanding of the unconscious mind and its relationship to our conscious self. By suggesting that our unconscious is not more animal but even more human than our conscious, Bond compels us to recognize the hidden depths within us. This quote serves as an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the intricacies of our subconscious thoughts, dreams, and desires. In doing so, we may come to realize that the human experience is a delicate interplay between the conscious and the unconscious, a paradoxical dance that defines our humanity.