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King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine

This is a Jungian analysis of four masculine archetypes. Another possible title could have been "In Defense of Masculinity". An excerpt:

We need to learn to celebrate authentic masculine power and potency, not only for the sake of our personal well-being as men and for our relationships with others, but also because the crisis in mature masculinity feeds into the global crisis of survival we face as a species. Our dangerous and unstable world urgently needs mature men and mature women if our race is going to go on at all into the future.

For some, this may read as outdated and sexist — and perhaps some of it is. However, I found it useful (though, over the top at times) when thinking about gender in society today. Pair with a good critical theory text to span the spectrum of perspectives.

Ratings

These are entirely subjective, and roughly try to capture my personal enjoyment and usefulness, and how likely I'd recommend it to others. Don't read too much into this unless you love my judgement. Rough guidelines:

A: Top quartile. Changed the way I think about something.

B: Worthwhile. I took away something useful.

C: Didn't hit, wouldn't directly recommend. Likely won't revisit.

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