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The Essence of the Acorn Theory
At the very heart of the acorn theory, Hillman advances the idea that every individual already holds his potential inside of himself from birth, and he compares this to the acorn already holding the pattern for an oak tree. The soul, which he refers to as energy unique to the individual, manifests itself through the person's actions in life and actualizes, or "blossoms," once the person answers his life calling, much like an acorn turns into an oak tree and matures when it finally blossoms.
On Nature and Nurture
One of the basic ideas that spurred the conception of the acorn theory is that Hillman theorized that the nature and nurture debate did not adequately account for all of human development, but instead the soul had much to do with individual achievements, character, and aspirations.
Problems With Nature and Nurture
Hillman felt that the nature and nurture debate placed too much emphasis on parents supplying the genetics and social conditioning to shape the child and neglected to take into account the individual self and its own independence. While Hillman does acknowledge that nature and nurture are important in helping the seed of the acorn blossom, he insists it is an error to attribute all aspects of human development to nature and nurture. Instead, he suggests individuals are better served understanding their own independent calling in life and pursuing that calling.
Finding Your Calling
According to the acorn theory, Hillman suggests that each individual needs to re-examine his childhood and present situation to find his own calling in life, or the seed of the acorn. Rather than simply growing up, people need to "grow down," or establish a good root system so that the individual may experience a fuller, healthier growth. In this reappraisal, the individual reconnects with his soul and finds his true self and realizes his calling in life.