On the Nature of the Psyche The Psyche is the world's pivot: not only is it the one great condition for the existence of a world at all, it is also an intervention in the existing natural order, and no one can say with certainty where this intervention will finally end." -- C. G. Jung, On the Nature of the Psyche The essay 'On Psychic Energy' introduces the volume much as a programmatic dream introduces an analysis. In this most lucid essay, Jung defines his use of the concepts of libido, energy, force, and discusses the possibilities of measuring energy objectively and subjectively... This volume is indispensable for anyone who wants to understand something of Jung's psychology and metapsychology." -- Rosemary Gordon, The Journal of Analytical Psychology, reviewing Vol. 8 in the Collected Works 'On Psychic Energy' deals with Jung's libido theory, one of the primary reasons for the intellectual divorce of Freud and Jung. Here, Jung defends his position, and clarifies it for his critics, clearly indicating how it resembles that of Freud and equally clearly how it is differentiated from Freud's position. 'On the Nature of the Psyche' is an excellent summary of the basic theoretical position of Jung. With a plethora of illustrations from religion, anthropological data and symbolistic studies, Jung clarifies his notions of the unconscious, its relationship to consciousness, the collective unconscious and the archetypes." -- Edward Nolan, New Mexico Quarterly