"Because thou must not dream, thou need not despair"
About this Quote
Matthew Arnold's quote, "Because thou should not dream, thou need not misery", provides a juxtaposition that welcomes a much deeper expedition of the relationship between dreams and truth. On the surface area, it may appear as though Arnold is dissuading dreaming-- often viewed as an essential part of human goal and imagination. However, a better analysis suggests a more nuanced viewpoint.
By mentioning "thou need to not dream", Arnold appears to caution against enjoying unrealistic fantasies that can result in dissatisfaction. Dreams, in this context, can be associated with impressions that may separate an individual from the practicalities of daily life. When one dreams exceedingly without grounding those dreams in truth, the inescapable space between expectation and reality can cause anguish.
The latter part of the quote, "thou need not misery", supplies a counterbalancing point of view. Arnold proposes that by moderating our dreams and aligning them more carefully with achievable goals, we can prevent the pitfalls of frustration and misery. In other words, grounding our aspirations in reality equips us with a pragmatic optimism. Without the burden of impractical expectations, people might discover that their sense of satisfaction does not hinge on remarkable achievements but rather on attainable objectives.
Arnold's words can be viewed as a call for a balanced technique to life. He acknowledges the human requirement for hope and goal while cautioning against the extremes. By promoting for dreams that are tempered with realism, Arnold indicates that serenity and contentment are possible. It's not the desertion of dreams that he recommends, however a reframing of them-- a shift from fantastical to practical.
Overall, Arnold's quote speaks to the classic human battle of stabilizing dreams and reality. It encourages a practical technique where one's goals are balanced with the possibilities of the real world, eventually leading to a more grounded and satisfying existence.
About the Author