Private Myths

This book by Anthony Stevens provides interesting information about dreams. The author also gives advice and explanations to help us better understand the world of dreams. He often does this by citing other authors. Citing Lowy, for example, he asks “why assume and take for granted for granted that the world of dreams wants to be compared with, and related to, the world of reality and realistic thinking? The contrary is much more probable. The world of dreams is a world apart” (p. 71)

Through LaBerge he explains one of the evidently possible purposes of dreaming: “Only the dream can allow us to experience a future alternative as if it were real, and thereby to provide a supremely enlightened motivation to act upon this knowledge” (p. 87)

Among his citations, one I enjoyed is from Locke: ‘I am what I remember myself being.’ (p. 199)

Of course, Stevens also gives valuable advice and information of his own. I was however surprised to read that he assumes that “[t]he twentieth century has effectively demolished the pillars of Christendom” (p. 343) Although scientific discoveries have expanded our horizons, recent events, both here and abroad, show that religious fanaticism and ignorance is on the rise and quite ahead in renewed social control, both here and abroad.