THE VISION THING:
Myth, Politics and Psyche in the World

presented by
Thomas Singer, M.D. 

March 23, 2001

 

Doctor Singer's title for his new book was taken from a phrase uttered by President George Bush when his re-election campaign was foundering.  He described his problem of connecting with a restless electorate as "the vision thing."

 

The "vision thing" experienced at a personal and collective level attempts to bring together the political and mythological realms through psychological experience.  Vision is seen with the mind's or spirit's eye and "thing" designates the most basic, concrete stuff of reality.  "It is a rare leader who can articulate the true vision that fits with real politics."

 

Dr. Singers' idea for this book grew out of a conversation with Senator Bill Bradley which was followed by a "big" dream which became his guide in assembling a veritable feast of papers from leading Jungian analysts including Joseph Henderson, Betty Meador, John Beebe and Andrew Samuels.

 

Dr. Singer will share his personal reflections and something of his experience with these distinguished contributors.  The topic is extremely timely, and this talk is a wonderful opportunity to see current political events through the lens of Analytical Psychology and mythology.

 

"It is, unfortunately, only too clear that if the individual is not truly regenerated in spirit, society cannot be either, for society is the sum total of individuals in need of redemption."  ~ C.G. Jung, The Undiscovered Self

 

"The great events of world history are, at bottom, profoundly unimportant.  In the last analysis, the essential thing is the life of the individual."  ~ C.G. Jung, Civilization in Transition

 

Thomas Singer, M.D. is a psychiatrist and Jungian analyst.  He is Chair of the Extended Education Committee of the San Francisco C.G. Jung Institute and author of Who's the Patient Here: Portrait of the Young Psychotherapist and A Fan's Guide to Baseball Fever: The Official Medical Reference.