Black 1 Morgan Black Mrs. Sibug English 10 | P.

6 13 March 2012 A Life of Dreaming Our minds can paint exciting and vivid stories for us using verbal, visual, and emotional stimulation in dreams. . .but can dreams do even more than that? Some scientists speculate that dreams may be the minds way of solving problems and rehearsing import ant survival reflexes, while others believe that dreams are simply a combination of random brain impulses. Some popular theories include Sigmund Freuds theory of repressed longing and Carl Jungs theory of self-reflection and problem solving. Though both theories are supported, most people would rather believe that their dreams are something more complex than a simple series of random brain impulses. When one contrasts these popular theories side-by-side, a clearer understanding of the human mind and dreaming can be found. Sigmund Freud theorized that we may forget many of our dreams because they contain repressed thoughts and desires that we dont wish to remember due to guilt. He used this to back up his other theories, stating that dreams are a way of expressing desires and relieving repressed longing, usually sexual, through symbolism. Though he believed strongly in symbolism, Freud did once comment that, sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar. Though his theory is well supported, others believe that dreams are not strictly sexual desires, but any desires and aspirations a person may have. In contrast to Freud is Carl Jung, who worked closely with Freud while developing his own theories. Jung believed that dreams are the minds way of reflecting on daily activities, solving problems, and preparing for possible future events. His theory poses a very philosophical thoughtdoes our subconscious mind instinctually know the answers to the questions our waking mind does not? Between Freud and Jung, one may

Black 2 find a solid, realistic middle; perhaps dreams are not only a compilation of our desires and daily events, but a place to practice vital decision making as well. Contrary to both Freud and Jung is the theory of G. William Domhoff. His opinion is purely scientific, stating that, dreams probably have no purpose. Domhoffs theories are very relaxed compared to those of others, believing that all other theories can only contradict each other. His theory is understandable when one considers the frequency with which humans dream. The average person will have about five dreams per night as they cycle through the sleep stages, with most dreams occurring during periods of REM sleep. It is hard to believe that a healthy, happy person could have as many as five subconscious revelations every night. This poses the question, though: how complex is the mind, really? Relying only on speculations, the world may never know the real truth. Researching and learning about dream theories can help improve ones daily life. When one learns to interpret and identify ones own dreams, one may experience an increase in self awareness, or find answers to lingering questions. As stated by Tierney in his New York Times article, a dream could be insignificant to one woman, in which the same dream could be meaningful to another. He is explaining that, while dreams may hold a deeper meaning, if one does not know how to properly analyze ones own dreams, there is a greater chance of gaining little to nothing from the experience. In the story, The Odyssey, the character Penelope hypothesized that dreams come through two gates; this is symbolism, explaining that dreams can either have intense meaning or be randomly generated experiences. Several philosophers and scientists share a similar view with Penelope, believing dreams to be half prophecy and half nonsense. This idea makes sense, giving a good balance between Jung and Domhoffs theories. At the end of the day, everybody dreams, no matter what the reason. Though dreams can range from happy to sad, or make no sense at all, they are all simply dreams. Some dreams may hold meaning with their dreamers and some may not. Dreamers can spend their

Black 3 whole lives searching for meaning, or simply accept dreams for what they are and enjoy them in their own, individual ways.

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Works Cited Obringer, Lee Ann. How Dreams Work. Science. n. d. Web. 1 March 2012. Cherry, Kendra. Why Do We Dream? Top Dream Theories. About. n. d. Web. 1 March 2012. Stibich, Mark. Understanding Dreams. About. 24. November. 2008. Web. 1 March 2012. Dixit, Jay. Dreams: Night School. Psychology Today. 15. January. 2012. Web. 1 March 2012. Tierney, John. What Do Dreams Mean? The New York Times. 9. March. 2009. Web. 1 March 2012.