Memecoins echo ancient belief systems and Jungian archetypes in a digital age – CryptoQuant CEO
CryptoQuant’s CEO Ki Young Ju has said that memecoins do not represent speculative assets, but rather manifestations of human psychology. This psychology is deeply rooted and has been a part of human culture throughout history.
Ju argued that the digital assets are in line with Carl Jung’s theory on the collective unconscious which states that repeated symbols and narratives influence human culture and behavior.
Ju considers meme coins to be modern digital archetypes influencing financial markets much as myths and religious symbols have affected societies.
“Meme coins thrive because they tap into universal patterns of belief and identity. Successful crypto entrepreneurs are those who create compelling narratives that people believe in and rally around.”
Two categories
Ju classified memecoins into two primary categories based on their psychological roots — animal-themed tokens and celebrity-based memecoins.
Animal-themed tokens such as Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Bonk and Dogwifhat reflect shamanic traditions where animals are used as spirit guides.
He said that these tokens resonate on a subconscious basis, similar to ancient cultures who revered animals as symbols for strength, loyalty and wisdom.
The celebrity-based coin memes, such as Official Trump (TRUMP), Mother Iggy, Official Melania, Official Melania Meme, and Caitlyn Jennifer (JENNER), are based on hierarchical structures in which figures of influence command the attention.
Ju compared these tokens with religious icons or politicians, which their followers elevate to a near-mythical level.
Memecoins & Art
Ju compared memecoins with the art market. The value of the latter is not determined by its intrinsic function, but rather the strength of the cultural narrative.
“People don’t buy paintings just because they’re made of paint and canvas. They purchase them for the story they tell. The same applies to meme coins.”
Memecoins thrive despite the skepticism by traditional investors. Each day, thousands of new tokens are launched. Their increasing popularity shows how collective belief rather than fundamental utility drives value in some parts of the cryptomarket.
Ju’s analysis shows that memecoins represent more than a digital fad. Instead, they may represent a financial extension of age-old human instincts — seeking identity, storytelling, and shared belief systems in an increasingly digital world.
