ABSTRACT
Here the key premise that Jung’s therapeutic perspective and Kierkegaard’s theological perspective share a common goal (the development of personality to its highest potentiality) is explored in detail. Emphasis is given to the role of despair as a precursor to change: disharmony, unrest, inner strife are necessary in order to bring about a change of consciousness for both Kierkegaard and Jung and in both instances can be understood as emanating from the unconscious. Linking Kierkegaard and Jung is their shared belief that self-healing demands that the individual suffer and struggles after a life that is completely one’s own.
