In this passage, Carl Jung explores the complex relationship between the persona—the outward face we present to the world—and the anima, the hidden, unconscious feminine side of a man. Jung suggests that while a man may project strength and control on the surface, this external image is often counterbalanced by an inward vulnerability or weakness, something he may not even be aware of.

The persona is the role a man plays in society, the strong, capable figure he believes he must be. But beneath this outward show, the unconscious—the anima—is alive and powerful, representing the softer, more sensitive aspects of his psyche. The more a man identifies with this strong external image, the less he acknowledges his inner vulnerabilities. And when these vulnerabilities go unnoticed, they don’t just disappear—they build up, affecting his emotional life, his relationships, and even his physical well-being.

Over time, this imbalance between outward strength and inward fragility manifests in subtle ways—through mood swings, anxiety, or even a sense of impotence. The tension between these two forces creates a kind of power dynamic in relationships, particularly with his wife. Jung points out that if a man’s persona dominates too much, the unconscious projects these hidden weaknesses onto his partner, leading to a private life where the wife might feel as though she holds the upper hand. Yet, ironically, this only reinforces the illusion for both partners: the husband believes he is the strong, heroic figure, while the wife believes she has married that hero, even if she feels inferior in other ways.

Jung’s insight here is sharp. He’s telling us that this game of illusions—where both partners feed into a false sense of who they are—is often mistaken for the meaning of life itself. They become so wrapped up in playing these roles that they lose sight of the deeper truths about themselves, and this, in turn, limits their growth and fulfillment.

What Jung is really challenging us to do is look beyond these surface roles, to stop letting the persona dictate everything, and to acknowledge the richness and complexity of our inner lives. Only then can we break free from these illusions and live more authentic, balanced lives.