ABSTRACT
The chapter explores why most people associate grandiosity primarily with dreams of wealth and riches. Gold as a symbol of grandiose endeavors is discussed, including the risks of taking this symbol too concretely and literally in our lives. A brief and accessible introduction to alchemy is provided, together with the Jungian understanding of alchemy and the search for philosophical gold. What we seek is to be engaged in the pursuit of a meaningful goal, an experience that brings on feelings of purpose and contentment. Examples are presented from the lives of patients and of gold panning hobbyists, from the Greek myth of Midas and the autobiographical work by Primo Levi.
