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Carl Jung's 4 Stages of Life

“Thoroughly unprepared, we take the step into the afternoon of life. Worse still, we take this step with the false presupposition that our truths and our ideals will serve us as hitherto. But we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning, for what was great in the morning will be little at evening and what in the morning was true, at evening will have become a lie.”  Carl Gustav Jung from his book, “The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche”

A Discussion on  the 4 Stages of Life

LISTEN to this enlightening discussion as it delves into the fascinating world of Carl Jung's 4 Stages of Life.

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Introduction

According to the Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, there are 4 stages that we may experience during our lifetime. Each stage represents an evolving relationship with the self and the world, shifting from external achievements to inner peace and understanding beyond the physical.

A Question to Ponder

A crucial question to ponder when exploring the meaning of these 4 stages is: “What fundamentally distinguishes Stage 4 from the first three stages?”

 

My answer is simple yet profound. The first three stages are physical in nature, where we experience life emotionally within a physical realm with physical outcomes. In contrast, Stage 4 is spiritual in nature, where we begin to navigate life emotionally with an awareness of spiritual outcomes by serving others.

 

This life transformation truly begins to happen when you stop fearing death and begin to live life in ways you’ve never known possible ... in freedom from Fear itself. Upon entering Stage 4, our perception of self undergoes a significant transformation. We shift from identifying ourselves as a body with a soul to recognizing and accepting ourselves as a Soul in a body. The Soul becomes our primary navigator, guiding our daily actions, while the body serves as the vehicle for that purpose. 

 

This shift deepens our understanding of the Soul’s essential role in guiding us and becoming our moral compass in our interactions while serving others. This shift importantly partners with us in manifesting peace, acceptance, and universal love in the world surrounding us. 

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Most importantly, this transformation provides us newfound meaning and purpose to our lives and remains steadfast through the remainder of our years ... and yes, through the best of times and the most challenging times as well.

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For me, this is the essence to understanding Jung’s Stage 4 of life ... and one I hold sacred as it is where I find myself on my own life journey … in Stage 4: The Spirit Stage.

Insights into the 4 Stages

  • Not everyone moves through all four stages on their life journey.

  • For many, once they enter stage 2 or stage 3, they remain in it for the rest of their lives.

  • Transitions between stages are often triggered by life events ... success, failure, loss, or deep introspection.

  • True fulfillment comes from embracing the natural progression of life and understanding that each stage has its own lessons.

1. The Athlete Stage ... Identity Through Physicality

  • This is the earliest phase, often associated with youth.

  • Individuals in this stage see themselves largely through their physical body, appearance, and abilities.

  • Vanity, physical strength, beauty, and external validation play significant roles.

  • This stage is often self-absorbed ... concerned with how one looks and how others perceive them.

  • Many people don’t realize they are in this phase until they transition out of it.
     

Example: A young athlete or model who derives self-worth primarily from their body and physical achievements.

2. The Warrior Stage ... Ego-Driven Identity

  • Here, the focus shifts from physical appearance to conquering challenges and achieving success.

  • People in this stage are driven, ambitious, and competitive.

  • They want to prove themselves, build careers, accumulate wealth, and establish their status.

  • The ego is dominant, and individuals are often caught up in materialistic and societal definitions of success.
     

Example: A corporate executive, entrepreneur, or artist working tirelessly to make a name for themselves.
 

NOTE: Many people stay in this phase for decades, chasing goals and seeking external validation.

3. The Statement Stage ... Wisdom and Purpose

  • At some point, the warrior’s endless chase for success begins to feel unfulfilling.

  • Individuals shift their focus from what they can gain to what they can give.

  • They start mentoring, guiding, and contributing to something larger than themselves.

  • There’s a growing need to find deeper meaning in life—whether through teaching, philanthropy, spirituality, or creative expression.

  • This is often where people experience a midlife awakening, realizing that achievements and possessions don’t define them.
     

Example: A successful leader who transitions into mentoring, a writer who shares their wisdom, or a grandparent who prioritizes family and legacy.

4. The Spirit Stage ... Transcendence and Self-Realization

  • The final stage is about letting go of ego, material concerns, and worldly attachments.

  • Individuals shift their focus to spirituality, self-acceptance, and inner peace.

  • They embrace the impermanence of life, surrender to the flow, and seek true enlightenment.

  • The wisdom gained from life’s experiences allows them to see beyond the illusions of success and failure.

  • Jung considered this stage the ultimate stage of personal growth, where one connects with the universe to their higher self.

 

Example: A person who finds peace in nature, meditation, or a simple life, detached from past ambitions and fully embracing the present.

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