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Plutarch On Dreams: A Reflection Of Virtue And Ethical Progress

A Reflection Of Virtue And Ethical Progress

NextLevel Coach

• 2 min read

Plutarch on Dreams as a Reflection of Virtue

Ah, dreams—the universe’s ethereal entertainment system, providing us with the most creative forms of nonsense imaginable while we sleep. Yet, somehow, Plutarch couldn’t help but trot out the notion that these nightly escapades might reflect our moral fibers. He argued that dreams might serve as a litmus test for our ethical standings—like staring at a reflection in a murky pond. "Oh look, I just dreamt I was a benevolent dictator; that must mean I’m making strides in my moral compass!" So, as we pillow-talk with our own subconscious, let’s not forget: awareness is a virtue, but sometimes, our dreams are just our brains doing acid while the lights are out. For a deeper dive into navigating the treacherous waters of virtue, check out our article on Stoic Philosophy and Self-Reflection.

Dreams as a Morality Meter

In Plutarch’s grand theatre of dreams, he suggests that they act as a sorting hat for virtue. Our subconscious narrates stories, reminding us of our missteps and suggesting possible paths for growth. Just like a binge-watching session that helps us learn social skills, bizarre narratives might showcase the state of our ethical impulses. Moreover, the Stoics might argue that instead of endlessly analyzing our dream content, we should focus on our daytime decisions, which are far more critical. As Epictetus likely would have pointed out, “It’s not what happens in dreamland that counts, but how we choose to act when we’re awake.” To further explore aligning our virtuous aspirations with our waking lives, check out our piece on The Pursuit of Stoic Virtue.

The Subconscious as a Reflection of Our Lives

According to Plutarch, our dreams serve as a feedback mechanism reflecting our moral trajectory, akin to a reality check after a wild night out. Ever found yourself in a dream navigating a vortex of issues with your high school nemesis? Your subconscious is likely throwing a philosophical tantrum, urging you to confront emotions you shove aside during waking hours. Plutarch encourages us to look deeper into our sleep-induced fantasies; the next time you dream about fighting a giant marshmallow, perhaps it’s time to face your sugar addiction. And let’s not forget: if your dreams resemble a comical mixed bag of bad decisions, it’s probably time for some Stoic self-reflection. For more insight into infusing humor into stoic philosophies, check out our piece on Stoic Humor: Finding Fun in Philosophy.

Dreams as Indicators of Ethical Progress

Plutarch didn’t shy away from stirring the pot in his analysis of dreams and virtue, contrasting sharply with Plato, who dismissed dreams as mere shadows of reality. Plutarch asserts that dreaming can actually assist in gauging our moral progress. The next time you awake guilty about a dream where you’re a pirate stealing candy from infants, take a cue from your inner Stoic: virtue is hard work—even in Dreamland! If you're curious about how dreams and ethical development intersect, check out our article on Dreams and Ethics.

The Stoic Perspective on Dreams

Zeno, the mastermind behind Stoicism, would have observed our nightly escapades from a stony-eyed perch, advocating for emotional detachment in handling the absurdities of life. The chaos of our dreams serves as an arena for grappling with our desires and fears. Zeno’s teachings remind us that dreams often mirror our approach to virtue. So, next time you awaken unsettled by a dragon, consider that it might signal your need to reevaluate your fears. For insight into Stoic interpretations of dreams, visit Stoic Interpretations of Dreams.

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