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A dream is by definition a series of sensations that occur in the brain when both our senses of perception and our powers of will and reason are in abeyance, so that we have no control over that flux of sensations. But it is, of course, a well-known phenomenon that when we dream that we are dreaming, the dream ends and we awaken. Then the conscious mind takes over and we are again responsible for our thoughts, and must face a day in which we must be responsible for our actions, which, by their wisdom or folly, may determine the rest of our lives. Our dreams may give expression, pleasant or painful, to our subconscious desires or fears. But in our waking hours we must, if we are rational, make our decisions on the basis of the most objective and cold-blooded estimates that we can make: estimates of the forces and tendencies in the world about us; estimates of the realities with which we must deal; remembering always that nothing is likely to happen just because we think it's good, or unlikely to happen just because we think it's evil.

Revilo P. Oliver#13

RealityDreamsLifePsychologyReasonResponsibility

About this quote

What does it mean?
Dreams are uncontrolled brain sensations, while waking life requires rational responsibility and objective assessment.
In plain terms
Dreams are uncontrolled but waking life needs rational decisions and responsibility.
What can you take from it?
Be responsible and rational in waking life unlike in dreams.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • psychological reflection
  • planning

Putting it to work

  • analyze dreams
  • make rational choices
  • face reality

Questions to consider

  • How do dreams reflect desires?
  • Are we always rational awake?

Another view

The distinction between dream and wake states oversimplifies psychological complexity.

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