The Weekend University

The 4 Jungian Archetypes Driving Male Psychology — Douglas Gillette

11 snips
Sep 26, 2025
Douglas M. Gillette, a renowned Jungian psychologist and co-creator of the King, Warrior, Magician, Lover framework, delves into the psyche of modern masculinity. He discusses how life is more about 'sowing' than 'harvesting' and links the contemporary crisis in male identity to evolutionary psychology. Gillette outlines the four masculine archetypes, their shadow expressions, and shares practical techniques for integrating these energies into daily life. He also emphasizes the importance of men's groups and journaling for personal growth.
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INSIGHT

Primate Roots Of Male Drives

  • Men retain primate-derived drives to protect, defend, and provision that shape modern male psychology.
  • Douglas Gillette argues these inherited instincts clash with postmodern roles, leaving many men confused and unfulfilled.
INSIGHT

Life As Sowing Not Harvest

  • Life functions as a sowing period where we plant seeds for soul growth rather than reap full wholeness here.
  • Gillette believes true psychological/spiritual harvest likely completes beyond this life or over many lives.
INSIGHT

Savannah Shift Shaped Male Roles

  • Evolutionary shifts (jungle to savannah) produced a male role of hunting, protecting, and provisioning tied into pair-bonding.
  • Modern social change removed clear outlets for these roles, generating male frustration and alienation.
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