"Most people do not have sufficient range of consciousness to become aware of the opposites inherent in human nature.
The tensions they generate remain for the most part unconscious, but can appear in dreams.
Traditionally, the snake stands for the vulnerable spot in man:
it personifies his shadow, i.e., his weakness and unconsciousness.
The greatest danger about unconsciousness is proneness to suggestion ."
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"The effect of suggestion is due to the release of an unconscious dynamic,
and the more unconscious this is, the more effective it will be.
the split between conscious and unconscious increases the danger of psychic infection and mass psychosis.
With the loss of symbolic ideas the bridge to the unconscious has broken down.
Instinct no longer affords protection against unsound ideas.
Rationality without tradition and without basis in instinct is proof against no absurdity. "
Jung, Aion
@holon42 Instinct has never been protection against unsound ideas. Until people learn to properly understand their instincts, including when to follow them and when to deny or reroute them without making a hash of it, they'll be at the mercy of unintelligent forces.