Awake Quote by Shirin Neshat
“We're either awake or we're sleeping. During the time that we're awake, we work very hard at denying things, mainly because we have to function as people. We have to control and repress everything that we're fearful of, because it doesn't make sense to go crazy on the streets, but in reality we hide and we hide, repress and repress, our fears of the world of violence, of separation, of death, and sometimes hopes, and some things that are very joyful, reunions or all of those good things. It's only in dreams that we're really truthful with whatever hurts most; they're really very real.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art and Identity, Shirin Neshat, 2015
We constantly suppress our deepest fears and desires while awake, using denial to function, but dreams reveal our true emotional truths.
In simple terms: We hide fears while awake; dreams expose them.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge hidden feelings, not just suppress them.
Themes
psychology
self-awareness
dreams
repression
truth
Mood
reflective
introspective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Therapy sessions
- creative writing
- nighttime reflection
- artistic expression
- stress management
Key Concepts
Freudian theory
cognitive dissonance
emotional honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do you hide during the day?
- How can you use dream insights in waking life?
A Different Perspective
Dreams can be distorted, not always accurate reflections of reality.
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