‘Hermes and Technology’ panel at C.G. Jung Society Seattle

Reforms by advances, that is, by new methods or gadgets, are of course impressive at first, but in the long run they are dubious and in any case dearly paid for. They by no means increase the contentment or happiness of people on the whole. Mostly, they are deceptive sweetenings of existence, like speedier communications which unpleasantly accelerate the tempo of life and leave us with less time than ever before. Omnis festinatio ex parte diaboli est - ‘all haste is of the devil,’ as the old masters used to say. -Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections

We will present a panel discussion with local speakers that explores the psychological impact of technology on cultural, social, political, and interpersonal dimensions.

Jung's commentary on technology is scant but typically pessimistic in prognosis and prescription. While it is true that many of our technological advances have created stress on the environment and in our interpersonal relationships, it is also true that these advances have provided a better quality of life, reduced poverty, and created access to information throughout the world. Additionally, our own region has experienced phenomenal strides in the advancement of science, better education, and wealth creation for many.

In this workshop, we will reflect on the archetypal image of Hermes/Mercury, a master of haste, communications, and occasional trickster. With the increase in communications and the striving toward an unrealized ideal, what perils lie ahead and what challenges can we see right now as we walk down our current path? How might we be fooling ourselves and creating unconsciousness within society as we develop our “advancements” in every field? How do we come to terms with the alienation, gentrification, and other forms of displacement that is created because of the prodigious pace of life and development that we now find ourselves in? And what strategies could we individually and collectively employ to bring about a fuller understanding of our technological choices, as AI approaches our everyday consciousness?