I am in no way facetious, nor disposed for the mirth and galliardize of company, yet in one dream I can compose a whole Comedy, behold the action, apprehend the jests, and laugh myself awake at the conceits thereof.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Even when sober and serious, the dream state allows full creative control over complex narratives.
- In plain terms
- Though I am serious awake, my dreams can build entire plays that make me laugh when I wake.
- What can you take from it?
- Dreams can be powerful creative tools regardless of your waking mood.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Have your dreams ever felt more real than waking life?
- What stories do you find in your sleep?
Another view
Not everyone experiences vivid or controllable dreams.
More from Sir Thomas Browne
There is surely a piece of Divinity within us, something that was before the Elements, and owes no homage unto the Sun.
Permalink to quote #29 We term sleep a death, and yet it is waking that kills us, and destroys those spirits that are the house of life.
Permalink to quote #31 Men that look upon my outside, perusing only my condition, and fortunes, do err in my altitude; for I am above Atlas his shoulders.
Permalink to quote #28
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