Carl Jung: My whole psychology is such that it can be accepted only by someone who is ready for it.

Dear Fraulein von Sury, 14 November 1933

I have been pondering over your suggestion for a lecture in Paris and have come to the conclusion that in view of the present intellectual situation in France it would be premature if I lectured at the Sorbonne.

It would look too much like making propaganda for my own cause.

I would regard such a procedure as not only unintelligent but misleading as well.

I have always acted on the principle that if people have the need to hear me they could also invite me to speak.

I would therefore prefer to wait and see whether something will stir spontaneously in Paris or not.

I have found over and over again that it is not worthwhile speaking to an unprepared public.

My whole psychology is such that it can be accepted only by someone who is ready for it.

It is too little in accord with the conscious expectations of the time to be grafted on to something known.

So let us wait and leave it to the intellectual development of France whether or not to adopt a positive attitude to this kind of psychology.

I am sorry to disappoint you now after I had already expressed mywillingness to oblige.

with best regards,

Yours sincerely,

C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. I, Pages 130-131