Meaning: This quote by Walter Mare, a renowned English poet, reflects on the impact of dreams on our waking experiences. Mare suggests that even though a dream may be lost or forgotten upon waking, it can still influence our mood and perception throughout the day. The quote highlights the mysterious and powerful nature of dreams, as well as their ability to linger in our consciousness long after we have forgotten their specific details.

Dreams have fascinated and perplexed humans for centuries. They are a natural and often enigmatic aspect of human existence, and their significance and interpretation have been the subject of much contemplation and study. Mare's quote captures the essence of the lingering effect that dreams can have on our waking lives, whether they are joyful or melancholic.

The notion of a "lost but happy dream" shedding its light upon our waking hours suggests that even though we may not recall the details of a pleasant dream, its positive influence can still permeate our thoughts and emotions during the day. This concept speaks to the subconscious impact of dreams and how they can subtly shape our disposition and outlook, even when we are not consciously aware of their influence.

Conversely, Mare also touches on the idea that a "dreary or sorrowful" dream can cast a shadow over our waking experience, even if we cannot remember the specifics of the dream itself. This speaks to the lingering emotional residue that dreams can leave behind, impacting our mood and coloring our perceptions without us being able to pinpoint the source of our feelings.

The quote also alludes to the elusive nature of dreams, as Mare notes that "of neither may we be able to recover a trace." This underscores the transient and ephemeral quality of dreams, as they often slip from our grasp upon waking, leaving only a vague impression or emotional residue. Despite their intangibility, dreams can exert a profound influence on our waking consciousness, as Mare suggests through his evocative language.

Mare's contemplation on the enduring impact of dreams aligns with the broader cultural and psychological fascination with the subconscious mind and the mysteries of human cognition. Throughout history, dreams have been the subject of interpretation, symbolism, and analysis, with various cultures and belief systems attributing different meanings and significance to the content of dreams.

In the field of psychology, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung are among the prominent figures who delved into the study of dreams and their potential relevance to the unconscious mind and emotional well-being. Freud, for instance, proposed that dreams are a window into the unconscious, where repressed desires and unresolved conflicts manifest symbolically.

Jung, on the other hand, emphasized the archetypal and universal elements of dreams, positing that they reflect broader themes and motifs that are shared across cultures and individuals. Both Freud and Jung recognized the profound impact that dreams can have on the waking psyche, echoing Mare's sentiment about the lingering influence of dreams on our daily lives.

In conclusion, Walter Mare's quote encapsulates the enduring impact of dreams on our waking experiences, emphasizing their ability to shape our mood and perceptions, even when their specific details elude our conscious memory. The quote resonates with the enduring fascination and mystery surrounding dreams, capturing their enigmatic influence on human consciousness and emotional well-being.