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Lawrence of Arabia Thinks Day Dreamers Dangerously Make Their Dreams Come True
Description
“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did.” — T. E. Lawrence
This episode looks at the opening lines of the introductory chapter of T. E. Lawrence's memoir “Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” and the difference he draws between those who dream by night and the dreamers of the day. I explore why Lawrence calls the second group dangerous, what it means to act a dream “with open eyes,” and why “to make it possible” suggests that possibility is built by effort. I also read the line against the rest of the chapter, where Lawrence admits his role was smaller than the legend and that he was ashamed of promises he suspected would not be kept. A previous episode with Henry Ford provides a link between dreaming and doing. The episode closes with an honest counterpoint about dreams worth acting on, and the value of the night dreamers.
At The Quotive Corner, remember that wisdom isn’t in the quote. It’s in the reflection. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!
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