They say that with the ancients dreaming was a perfectly…
““They say that with the ancients dreaming was a perfectly ordinary, normal occurrence. But of course, their whole life was a dreadful whirling carousel—green, orange, Buddhas, sap. We, however, know that dreams are a serious psychic disease. And I know that until this moment my brain has been a chronometrically exact gleaming mechanism without a single speck of dust. But now . . . Yes, precisely: I feel some alien body in my brain, like the finest eyelash in the eye. You do not feel your body, but that eye with the lash in it—you can't forget it for a second. . . .””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dreams are portrayed as a disruptive, alien intrusion that shatters a previously immaculate mind.
In simple terms: Dreams feel like an invasive, alien presence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront intrusive thoughts.
Themes
psychology
alienation
mind
creativity
mentalhealth
Mood
uneasy
intrigued
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- nighttime introspection
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
psychoanalysis
existentialism
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate harmful intrusion from creative inspiration?
- Can alienation be a catalyst for self‑discovery?
A Different Perspective
Dreams may also be sources of insight, not just disease.