---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have gained reality and lost dream. No…"
description: "\"We have gained reality and lost dream. No more lounging under a tree and peering at the sky between one's big and second toes; there's work to be done...."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c97/robert-musil-2009_bigs_we-have-gained-reality-and-lost-dream-no_2472284.jpg"
---

#  We have gained reality and lost dream. No more lounging…

![“We have gained reality and lost dream. No more lounging under a tree and peering at the sky between one's big and second toes; there's work to be done. To be efficient, one cannot be hungry and dreamy but must eat steak and keep moving.” quote by Robert Musil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c97/robert-musil-2009_bigs_we-have-gained-reality-and-lost-dream-no_2472284.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c97/robert-musil-2009_bigs_we-have-gained-reality-and-lost-dream-no_2472284.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c97/robert-musil-2009_bigs_we-have-gained-reality-and-lost-dream-no_2472284.jpg)

> “We have gained reality and lost dream. No more lounging under a tree and peering at the sky between one's big and second toes; there's work to be done. To be efficient, one cannot be hungry and dreamy but must eat steak and keep moving.”

[Robert Musil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-musil/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Argues that modern life demands practicality over dreaming, urging decisive action and sustenance

**In simple terms:** Practical work replaces idle dreaming

Key Takeaway

Balance ambition with realistic effort

Themes

pragmatism dreams effort

Mood

reflective determined

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- career planning
- creative projects
- daily routines
- goal setting

Key Concepts

existential philosophy modernity

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you nurture dreams while staying productive?
- What “steak” fuels your motivation?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on practicality can stifle imagination

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Lounging](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lounging/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Sky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sky/) [Tree](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tree/) [Work to be done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-to-be-done/)

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