We are near waking when we dream we are dreaming

We are near waking when we dream we are dreaming

The quote "We are near waking when we dream we are dreaming" by the German Romantic poet and philosopher Novalis encapsulates the idea that our dreams can often feel so real that we are on the verge of waking up from them. Novalis, whose real name was Friedrich von Hardenberg, was a key figure in the German Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often explored themes of love, nature, and the imagination, and his writings on dreams and the subconscious have had a lasting impact on literature and philosophy.

In the context of Novalis, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the blurred boundaries between reality and the dream world. Novalis believed that dreams were a window into the unconscious mind, where our deepest desires, fears, and emotions are revealed. In our dreams, we are able to explore aspects of ourselves that we may not be aware of in our waking lives. This idea of self-discovery through dreams is a recurring theme in Novalis' work, as he believed that the dream world held the key to unlocking the mysteries of the human psyche.

The notion that we are near waking when we dream we are dreaming suggests that there is a thin veil separating our conscious and unconscious selves. When we dream that we are dreaming, we are on the cusp of awakening to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Novalis saw dreams as a form of spiritual enlightenment, a way to connect with the divine and transcend the limitations of the physical world.

For Novalis, the dream world was a realm of infinite possibilities, where the boundaries of time and space were fluid and malleable. In our dreams, we are free to explore the depths of our imagination and confront our innermost fears and desires. By embracing the dream world as a source of inspiration and self-discovery, Novalis believed that we could unlock the true potential of our minds and souls.