Quote of the day by famous psychologist Carl Jung: ‘What you resist not only persists but will grow in size’

We often think our behaviour is driven by logic, but psychology actually sets the rules. Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, Carl Gustav Jung, laid the foundation for understanding the hidden forces that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Not only was he an influential thinker, but Jung was also an academic, illustrator and prolific author who penned over 20 books, introducing the idea of the collective unconscious and archetypes, bridging the gap between philosophy, spirituality and science. His quotes on life are hence considered to be timeless reflections on the depths of the human psyche.

In his illustrious career, Carl Jung has shared insights about how a man thinks, revealing the unseen patterns shaping his choices and character. One of his quotes that makes us pause and realise is this: ‘What you resist not only persists but will grow in size’. In simple terms, what Jung meant by the line was that when you suppress a feeling or sabotage your emotions, it does not go away, but instead the heaviness continues to grow inside you, seeking a release.

Carl Jung’s thoughts on suppressed emotions

Carl Jung’s words reverberate with meaning, especially in the world we are living in right now. Whether burdened by competition in the workforce or dealing with struggles in our personal lives, humans have mastered the art of bottling emotions. Although from the surface it might seem that we are being strong and practical, carrying these unresolved feelings gradually takes a toll on us. The avoidance starts to intensify inside us with ignored anxiety turning into burnout, unexpressed anger straining relationships, and buried insecurity manifesting into self-doubt.



Carl Jung, however, reminds us that resistance amplifies discomfort. It is only by acknowledging and confronting our emotions, inner truths, and engaging in honest self-reflection that we can prevent these suppressed feelings from escaping through our behaviour.

More on Carl Jung

Carl Jung, born in Kesswil, in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, was a solitary and introverted child. He began his profession as a research scientist at the Burghölzli psychiatric hospital in Zurich, working under renowned psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. During that time, his powerful statements resonated with many and he formed a close intellectual bond with Sigmund Freud.

The duo shared a similar ambition to explore and redefine the human mind. Their camaraderie, however, broke off in 1913 after their contrasting opinions on the nature of the unconscious. Some of Jung’s famous works include The Red Book, Psychological Types, Modern Man in Search of a Soul, Man and His Symbols, and Memories, Dreams, Reflections.