Wolfgang Pauli on Synchronicity

“In Princeton, I unexpectedly had the opportunity to discuss the synchronicity phenomenon on several occasions. In doing so, I preferred to use the term “meaning-correspondence” rather than “synchronicity,” so as to place more emphasis on meaning rather than on simultaneity and to link up with the old “correspondentia.””

“Many physicists and historians have of course advised me to break the connection between my Kepler essay and C.G. Jung in the English translation. On mature reflection however I have still decided not to do so: it is not important to be entirely loyal personally to C.G. Jung (and not so important to him either). But it is very important to remain loyal to my own unconscious. This presents me constantly with something that it calls ‘radioactivity’, which roughly coincides with what Jung calls ‘synchronicity’. I am indifferent to the astral cult of Jung’s circle, but that, i.e. this dream symbolism, makes an impact! The book itself is a fateful ‘synchronicity’ and must remain one. I am sure that defiance would have unhappy consequences as far as I am concerned. Dixi et salvavi animam meam!”