Ernest Jones was a psychoanalyst who believed that the belief in the evil eye was connected to unconscious desires and fears. He saw the evil eye as a projection of a person’s own envy and desire for what others have. According to Jones, the person who gives the evil eye is projecting their own unconscious envy onto the other person, while the person who receives it is unconsciously seeking punishment for their own desires.
Jones argued that the belief in the evil eye is a form of magical thinking, in which people attribute power to symbols and rituals. He believed that this type of thinking was a way for people to deal with their unconscious desires and fears, by externalizing them into the world around them.
In understanding Jones’ perspective, it is important to recognize the role that the unconscious mind plays in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. According to psychoanalytic theory, the unconscious contains thoughts and feelings that are outside of our awareness, but still influence our actions. Jones saw the belief in the evil eye as a manifestation of these unconscious desires and fears, and as a way for people to cope with the anxieties that come with them.
Overall, Jones’ perspective on the evil eye emphasizes the importance of understanding the ways in which our unconscious thoughts and desires can shape our perceptions of the world around us. By recognizing these underlying motivations, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the way we relate to others.