To Gilbert Harrison. 1959

JUNG, Carl (1875-1961). Typed letter signed ('C.G. Jung') to Gilbert [A.] Harrison, n.p., n.d. [1959].

In English. One page, 293 x 210mm, headed paper, small textual corrections made in ink. Provenance: Swann, 23 May 2013, lot 65.

Carl Jung writes to the editor of The New Republic on the ‘fascinating’ problem of UFOs. The problem, Jung observes, ‘is as puzzling as it is fascinating; since, in spite of all observations I know of, there is no certainty about their very nature. On the other side there is overwhelming material pointing to their legendary of mythological aspect. As a matter of fact the psychological aspect is so impressive, that one almost must regret that the Ufos seem to be real after all’. Some radar evidence does exist, but the conclusions to be drawn from it are unclear; Jung has written a booklet on the psychological aspect of the phenomena, which will soon be published in German and English; he regrets he is unable to accept Harrison’s proposal on account of his age.

One of the fathers of the ‘psychosocial hypothesis’ on UFO sightings, which suggested that such reports are best explained by psychological or social means, Jung nevertheless gave due consideration to the possibility of extra-terrestrial activity, citing radar corroboration. Here, he addresses Gilbert Harrison, owner and editor of The New Republic, whose name he appears to misspell slightly. Jung’s work on UFOs was published in German and English in 1959 (Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies. London: Routledge & Paul, [1959]).

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