Impossible Dream
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courageTo reach the unreachable
The unreachable
The unreachable starAnd I’ll always dream the impossible dream
Yes, and I’ll reach the unreachable star
Baritone, contemporary and arranged in such a way with powerful voice harmonies leave me speechless over the sunday morning with light breakfast— such a grandiose feeling of classical masterpiece.
The topic we are going to discuss today is intricately connected to the concept of the “impossible dream,” which can be explored through multiple lenses, including psychological theories, philosophical inquiries, and cultural expressions. The “impossible dream” is a theme that resonates deeply across various domains of human experience, symbolizing the pursuit of lofty goals, the struggle against formidable odds, and the undying hope for a better future.
To try when your arms are too weary
In today’s world, it is common to find that almost everyone faces their own personal battles, challenges, or dreams. Many people go through their daily routines striving to survive and conquer these challenges. The extent of one’s success largely depends on their courage and determination, as well as their access to knowledge and resources.
Human life expectancy on this planet averages between 70 and 90 years. Typically, individuals begin their professional journeys — be it a job, career, or business — around their twenties. This leaves them with approximately 50 to 70 years of life, deducting the last 15 years when the quality of life often declines. Therefore, individuals have around 55 to 75 productive years during which they can actively pursue their dreams.
Do you want to wait until the later years of your life to chase your dreams? Or do you even have a dream? It’s important to ask yourself these questions.
In conversations with family, friends, and colleagues, common dreams often include owning a house, having a car, building a great family, achieving business success, advancing in one’s career, traveling, accumulating savings and assets, and ensuring a good education for children.
Is that all there is? For these material aspirations, people work and sacrifice, dedicating their time and efforts to earn money to achieve these goals. Hence, there is a widespread belief that “money is important” because almost everything in life requires financial resources. However, do you see the potential pitfall here? This focus on material dreams is quite common among average individuals.
Let us explore what the great philosophers, particularly Plato, thought about “money” and how it relates to achieving these “average dreams” of human being.
Money and the Ideal State: In “The Republic,” Plato envisions an ideal state where the rulers, or philosopher-kings, are not motivated by wealth. He argues that guardians of the state should live communally, without private property or personal wealth, to prevent corruption and ensure their focus remains on the common good. The accumulation of wealth is seen as a distraction from virtuous living and the pursuit of knowledge and justice
Money and the Individual: Plato acknowledges that money is a necessary component of daily life but warns against the excessive pursuit of wealth. He believes that a focus on accumulating wealth can lead to moral decay and social injustice. In his dialogues, Plato often critiques those who prioritize money over virtue and wisdom, suggesting that true happiness and fulfillment come from intellectual and moral development rather than material possessions
That is to say, happiness or well-being (eudaimonia) is the highest aim of moral thought and conduct, and the virtues (aretê: ‘excellence’) are the dispositions/skills needed to attain it.
Connecting the dots, we see that Plato’s philosophy suggests that true happiness is found in intellectual and moral development. While money is undeniably a necessary component of life, an exclusive focus on financial gain can lead to a neglect of moral and ethical considerations. This imbalance poses significant risks.
Plato’s emphasis on intellectual and moral development highlights the importance of virtues such as wisdom, courage, and justice. He argues that these virtues are essential for achieving a well-ordered soul and a just society, which in turn lead to true happiness and fulfillment. This perspective contrasts sharply with a life driven solely by the pursuit of wealth.
When society prioritizes money over ethics, the consequences can be dire. Corruption becomes rampant as individuals seek “easy money,” disregarding principles of justice and ethical conduct. This erosion of moral standards can stifle intellectual growth and technological advancement, ultimately leading to societal decay. A dystopian scenario emerges when business practices and personal actions are driven by greed rather than integrity and the common good.
Imagine a society where moral compasses are disregarded, and unethical behavior becomes normalized in the relentless chase for financial gain. Such a scenario not only undermines social trust and cohesion but also hinders progress and innovation. Without a foundation of ethical principles, even the most prosperous societies risk falling into dysfunction and chaos.
Thus, while money is a vital resource, it should be pursued with a strong moral compass and a commitment to intellectual and ethical growth. By integrating Plato’s ideals into our personal and societal goals, we can strive for a more balanced and fulfilling life, ensuring that our pursuit of success does not come at the expense of our values and humanity
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, outlines a progression of human needs that motivate behavior, arranged in a hierarchical pyramid. Dreams can be related to various levels of this hierarchy, both as reflections of unmet needs and as aspirations for achieving higher needs.
- Physiological Needs: These are the basic necessities for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. Dreams often incorporate elements of these needs, especially when they are not adequately met in waking life. For example, a person who is hungry might dream about food. Such dreams can be understood as the mind’s way of processing and signaling unmet physiological needs.
- Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, the next level includes safety and security, encompassing personal and financial security, health, and well-being. Dreams at this level might involve scenarios where safety is threatened or enhanced. For instance, dreaming of being in danger or losing a job can reflect concerns about personal security and stability.
- Love and Belongingness Needs: This level involves emotional relationships such as friendships, family bonds, and romantic attachments. Dreams often vividly reflect these social needs, portraying interactions with loved ones or feelings of loneliness and rejection. Positive dreams about friends or family can indicate strong social bonds, while negative dreams may highlight fears of abandonment or social isolation.
- Esteem Needs: Esteem needs include self-esteem, respect from others, and recognition. Dreams related to these needs might involve scenarios where individuals achieve success, receive awards, or are praised by others, reflecting their desires for appreciation and self-worth. Conversely, dreams of failure or embarrassment can signify underlying issues with self-esteem or fear of inadequacy.
- Self-Actualization: At the top of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization, the realization of one’s potential and the pursuit of personal growth, creativity, and peak experiences. Dreams at this level often involve themes of achieving goals, overcoming significant challenges, or engaging in creative activities. These dreams can be seen as expressions of one’s aspirations and inner drive to become the best version of oneself .
- Transcendence (added later by Maslow): This level involves spiritual needs and the pursuit of something beyond the self, such as helping others achieve self-actualization. Dreams related to transcendence might involve spiritual or mystical experiences, feelings of unity with the universe, or profound insights into the nature of existence.
By linking dreams to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we can gain insight into how our subconscious mind processes our deepest motivations and concerns. Dreams can be a window into the state of our unmet needs and our aspirations for fulfillment at various levels of the hierarchy
To reach the unreachable star
In my opinion, achieving your dreams requires a step-by-step approach, beginning with an honest assessment of where you currently stand. Each step on the ladder of success takes time and effort to establish.
If you are still struggling with the most basic level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs — physiological needs — it is best to focus on moving up one step at a time. The next level is safety and security, which includes financial stability, health, and a safe living environment. Attempting to reach for a dream that currently seems impossible may be overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time makes it manageable and achievable.
Focusing on securing your basic needs first creates a foundation upon which you can build. Once you have stabilized your physiological needs and safety, you will find it easier to pursue higher-level goals such as social relationships, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. This step-by-step progression is crucial because each level supports and facilitates the next.
Why is this approach effective? Based on my observations, we will all encounter this hierarchy at different points in our lives. By addressing each level systematically, you ensure that you are not overextending yourself and are building a solid base for future aspirations. This methodical approach allows for sustainable growth and helps prevent burnout and frustration.
In conclusion, take a realistic and incremental approach to achieving your dreams. Begin by meeting your most basic needs and gradually work your way up. As you progress, you’ll find that what once seemed impossible becomes increasingly attainable, allowing you to reach your full potential
Performing a reality check to understand your current position is essential. This method can be particularly effective at the end of the year, serving as a “checkpoint” to evaluate your progress and set new goals. Achieving a dream without a plan is naive; waiting passively will not bring your dreams to fruition. Instead, a reality check helps you identify where you are now and determine the feasibility of moving from your current position to where you want to be.
For instance, consider what your dream is. Like let say you want to be a CEO of one Startup, definetly need a step-by-step plan. By breaking it down into manageable steps, at least you can make consistent progress toward your goal.
And dont forget, the inflection point — that pivotal moment where everything shifts and propels us toward our dreams at an exponential pace. It’s like catching a gust of wind that propels us forward, closer and closer to our aspirations. When we reach that point, the journey becomes electrifying, filled with momentum and promise. So, let’s keep pushing forward, embracing every twist and turn, knowing that our dreams are within reach, waiting for us to claim them.
Believing in the process is crucial. Remember, everyone faces their own personal battles. It is counterproductive to compare your weaknesses to someone else’s strengths, as these comparisons are not fair or helpful. For example, if you come from a humble background without privileges, comparing yourself to someone from a wealthy, influential family is like comparing David to Goliath or an ant to an elephant. Such comparisons can be detrimental to your mental health.
Instead, view others as references or sources of inspiration. Learn from their successes to understand how you can achieve similar goals. Focus on nurturing and growing yourself rather than engaging in unproductive comparisons. Whether or not you have competitors, personal development is a continuous process that will yield positive results over time.
And I’ll always dream the impossible dream
Even as I continue to pursue my dreams, I acknowledge that success is not solely defined by achieving them. I understand that the journey towards them is equally significant. Along this path, I recognize the value of wisdom gained and the importance of embracing discipline and consistency. While dreams may serve as guiding lights, it is the dedication to daily efforts that truly shapes our destinies. As such, I more committed towards discipline and consistency, understanding that they are foundational to personal and professional growth.
Consider this perspective: Take, for instance, my dreams to become a greatest author, manifested through the meticulous crafting of Medium articles. Does it concerning when no one read my article? Not at all. My motivation stems from a genuine love for the crafting article itself. Much like a clock adorning a wall, its function and keep ticking regardless of observers; similarly, my writing journey in this sense, driven by intrinsic passion rather than external validation. By constantly adhering to this principle and nurturing my skills over time, I believe that within the next five years, you as a reader will witness the rise of a new, formidable author — a testament to the enduring power of perseverance and self-belief. Let me prove it to you.
Everyone in this world can talk but less can do, no action talk only (nato).
Everyone in this world can have a dream but less than who able to achieve it
Everyone in this world will go someday, so have a dream is not bad but if not able to achieve it is good anyway.
Socrates, the renowned philosopher of ancient Greece, emphasized a profound perspective on dreams. He suggested that dreams offer glimpses into the subconscious mind, serving as a conduit for deeper introspection and understanding. According to Socrates, dreams possess the potential to reveal hidden truths and insights about oneself, often inaccessible during waking hours. Therefore, he advocated for the careful examination and interpretation of dreams, recognizing their significance in the pursuit of self-knowledge and enlightenment.
The Allegory of the Cave: In “The Republic,” Socrates uses the Allegory of the Cave to describe the process of enlightenment and the difference between the world of appearances (akin to dreams) and the world of reality (the world of Forms).
He suggests that most people live in a state similar to dreaming, perceiving shadows and illusions rather than the true reality. This allegory highlights the idea that dreams can represent a false or incomplete understanding of the world, contrasting with the clear knowledge accessible through philosophical inquiry
Overall, Socrates sees dreams as significant both philosophically and ethically. They are reflections of the soul’s true nature and desires, and they highlight the contrast between appearances and reality. Dreams can also serve as important indicators or messages, revealing deeper truths about human existence and providing guidance.
In essence, Socrates encapsulated the essence of dreams beautifully: they’re like bridges between the tangible and the intangible, the real and the imagined. Having an impossible dream isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey it inspires within us. It’s a testament to the boundless potential of human imagination and desire, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Even if we never reach the shores of our dreams, the mere act of dreaming fosters a connection between what is and what could be, enriching our lives with meaning and purpose.
Let’s keep the conversation alive and thriving as we strive for greatness. See you at the peak, where the view is breathtaking and the possibilities endless!
