Fathers and Mothers

Five papers by JAMES HILLMAN, ERICH NEUMANN, MURRAY STEIN, AUGUSTO VITALE, and VERA VON DER HEYDT examine the archetypal background of family psychology. "How are we to protect our children from ourselves, if conscious will and conscious effort are of no avail? There can be no doubt that it is of the utmost value for parents to view their children's symptoms in the light of their own problems and conflicts. It is their duty as parents to do so. Their responsibility in this respect carries with it the obligation to do everything in their power not to lead a life that could harm the children. Generally far too little stress is laid upon how important the conduct of the parents is for the child, because it is not words that count, but deeds. Parents should always be conscious of the fact that they themselves are the principal cause of neurosis in their children." -C. G. JUNG