(no subject)

Jun 21, 2005 14:53

I've been thinking about dreams a little bit today, but not in the traditional way. I've come to realize I can't understand what they're for. I don't mean idealistically, obviously most people either enjoy dreams and the stories they weave, or despise them. But functionally speaking, what purpose do they serve?

Some people might say that the purpose is analysis, that with careful interpretation they offer us insight into our own psyche, but as an argument about human function, that seems weak to me. Dream interpretation is difficult and very elaborate. It seems it would make more sense just to give us direct access to hidden parts of our minds rather than have us wade through confusing, often nonsensical short stories which more often than not make no sense to us whatsoever.

Supposing evolution as truth, why would our brains evolve in a manner that makes us think wild thoughts and often leaves us excited or afraid when we wake? Supposing creationism, why did God build us with this capacity? I just can't think of what functional purpose dreams serve. It seems like every other piece of our minds or bodies do something that helps us in one way or another, or used to. I'm curious to know what people think, speaking for evolution or creationism, or anything else. I feel like there might be an obvious answer staring me in the face.

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Go look outside tonight. The moon is supposed to hang gigantic and low along the horizon. It's a very beautiful display. And to think, every single person on earth will have the opportunity to witness it. If you do step out to see the moon, think about how many billions of people you share that experience with this evening. Consider old friends and family, your first love, anybody important to you. Then consider that you share that spectacle not only with those people alive today, but also with every single generation in history. A lunar unity. I think it's amazing.
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