Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believed that the human psyche is composed of various archetypes that shape our behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Archetypes are universal patterns of behavior and personality traits that are inherited from our ancestors and are shared across different cultures and times.
Jung identified several archetypes that he believed are present in every human being, regardless of cultural background or personal experiences. These include the persona, the shadow, the anima/animus , the self, and the collective unconscious.
The persona is the social mask we wear in public, representing the role we play in society. The shadow represents the hidden, darker aspects of our personality that we often repress or deny. The anima/animus represents the unconscious masculine and feminine qualities present in each person, while the self represents the ultimate goal of individuation or becoming one's true self. Finally, the collective unconscious is the shared unconscious that contains universal images and symbols called archetypes, such as the hero, the mother, the wise old man, and the trickster.
According to Jung, archetypes have a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and recognizing and integrating them can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.