From Vision to Folly in the American Soul: Jung, Politics and Culture

Thomas Singer's book From Vision to Folly in the American Soul explores the complex relationships between individual and collective psyche, depicting reality, illusion, vision, and folly in overlapping political, cultural, and psychological conflicts. It is a valuable resource for academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian ideas, politics, sociology, and American studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his captivating book, "From Vision to Folly in the American Soul," Thomas Singer delves into the depths of the human soul, exploring its personal and collective manifestations. Spanning twenty years of writing on American politics within the context of contemporary cultural trends, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between the individual and collective psyche. It unveils the complex web of relationships where reality, illusion, vision, and folly intertwine, resulting in overlapping political, cultural, and psychological conflicts. This profound text serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jungian and post-Jungian ideas, politics, sociology, and American studies, as well as for anyone intrigued by the current state of the United States.

Introduction:
"From Vision to Folly in the American Soul" by Thomas Singer is a captivating exploration of the human soul, delving into its personal and collective manifestations. Spanning twenty years of writing on American politics within the context of contemporary cultural trends, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between the individual and collective psyche. It unveils the complex web of relationships where reality, illusion, vision, and folly intertwine, resulting in overlapping political, cultural, and psychological conflicts. This profound text serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jungian and post-Jungian ideas, politics, sociology, and American studies, as well as for anyone intrigued by the current state of the United States.

Personal and Collective Aspects of the Soul:
The book explores the personal and collective aspects of the soul, recognizing that the soul is not just an individual entity but a collective force that shapes society and culture. Singer argues that the soul is a complex amalgamation of emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that are deeply intertwined with the individual's experiences and the collective unconscious of society. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal and collective aspects of the soul to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics.

Reality, Illusion, Vision, and Folly:
One of the central themes of the book is the interplay between reality, illusion, vision, and folly. Singer argues that these four elements are essential to the human experience and play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. Reality, he suggests, is the objective truth of the world, while illusion is the subjective interpretation of reality. Vision is the ability to see beyond the immediate present and imagine a better future, while folly is the tendency to disregard reality and pursue imprudent or destructive actions.

Overlapping Political, Cultural, and Psychological Conflicts:
The book depicts an ongoing exploration of the complex relationships between individual and collective psyche in which reality, illusion, vision, and folly get all mixed up in overlapping political, cultural, and psychological conflicts. Singer highlights the ways in which these conflicts manifest in various aspects of American life, including politics, culture, and psychology. He examines how individuals and societies navigate these conflicts, seeking to find balance and harmony amidst the chaos.

Conclusion:
"From Vision to Folly in the American Soul" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a profound exploration of the human soul. By delving into the personal and collective aspects of the soul, the book provides a valuable resource for academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian ideas, politics, sociology, and American studies. It also sheds light on the current state of the US, highlighting the complex relationships between individual and collective psyche and the challenges that society faces in navigating the overlapping political, cultural, and psychological conflicts of our time. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of our world, this book serves as a reminder of the importance of introspection, empathy, and a commitment to seeking truth and balance in our lives.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367432669