My Book Recommendations: 2 introspectively in-depth books to read while in quarantine

Jan 3, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Jan 4, 2021

If you have been a BTS fan for a while I'm sure these books are certainly familiar to you, but if not then keep scrolling and let these books unleash your long hidden introspection. Let's get a little more psychological and philosophical!

Jung's: Map Of The Soul: An Introduction by Murray B. Stein

“The psyche is not something that plays itself out in human beings only and in isolation from the cosmos. There is a dimension in which psyche and world intimately interact with and reflect one another. This is Jung’s thesis.”

BTS have referenced this book all throughout their Map Of The Soul album series. BTS used the four major Jungian archetypes (the Self, the Persona, the Shadow, and the Anima/Animus) to express their true selves.

In BTS' album Map of The Soul: 7, where all of the three crucial tracks that tackle Jungian archetypes are present, namely: 'Intro: Persona', 'Interlude: Shadow', and 'Outro: Ego.' The three rapper-songwriters out of seven members have utilized the concept of the archetypes to address self-hood, yearning for authenticity, and being able to accept all aspects of oneself. Despite all the experiences one go to, one's status, and the amount of transformations one may have. The core remains constant since one's birth.

Basic Writings of Nietzsche

“Independence is for the very few; it is a privilege of the strong. And whoever attempts it even with the best right but without inner constraint proves that he is probably not only strong, but also daring to the point of recklessness.”

If you know Fall-Out Boy then I'm sure you have listened to the song 'Champion' in which he collaborated with BTS' RM. As BTS themselves loves to incorporate literary works of their beloved writers in their music, it is without a doubt that Friedrich Nietzsche's work could be a source of inspiration for a lyrical genius like RM. The song served as an anthem for people who are having hardships in life and that we should value loving ourselves.