Meaning: The quote by John Berger captures the human struggle with materialism and the longing for something beyond the confines of the physical world. It suggests that the human imagination is inherently inclined towards seeking something more than what is immediately tangible, and that it is a challenge to confine it within a purely materialist framework. Through the analogy of a dog dreaming of hares in the open while confined to its basket, Berger evokes a sense of yearning for freedom, possibility, and transcendence.

Berger was a British art critic, novelist, painter, and poet, known for his interdisciplinary approach and thought-provoking insights into art, society, and the human experience. Throughout his career, he explored the relationship between art and the human condition, often challenging conventional perspectives and delving into the complex interplay of materialism, imagination, and longing for something beyond.

The quote reflects Berger's belief in the expansive nature of the human imagination and its inherent resistance to being constrained by purely materialistic views. It suggests that the imagination, much like the dog dreaming of hares, seeks to break free from the limitations imposed by a narrow focus on the material world. This concept resonates with broader philosophical and existential discussions about the human experience and the tension between the physical and the metaphysical.

In the context of materialism, the quote raises questions about the limitations of a worldview that prioritizes material possessions, tangible wealth, and empirical evidence. It challenges the notion that the material realm is the sole domain of human existence and implies that there is a deeper yearning within us that transcends the purely physical. This sentiment aligns with philosophical traditions that emphasize the importance of inner life, consciousness, and the human capacity for imagination and creativity.

The analogy of the dog in its basket dreaming of hares in the open also carries a sense of longing and aspiration. It speaks to the universal human desire for freedom, exploration, and the pursuit of something beyond the immediate constraints of everyday life. The image of the dog dreaming of hares suggests that even within confinement, the human imagination continues to reach for something more, something elusive and untamed.

From a psychological perspective, the quote alludes to the tension between the conscious and unconscious mind. The dog in its basket represents the conscious, practical, and material aspects of human existence, while the dream of hares in the open symbolizes the unconscious, imaginative, and aspirational dimensions of the human psyche. This duality reflects the complexity of human nature and the constant interplay between the tangible and the intangible aspects of our being.

In conclusion, John Berger's quote encapsulates the human struggle with materialism and the enduring power of the imagination to transcend physical constraints. It invites contemplation on the nature of human longing, the tension between the material and the metaphysical, and the universal aspiration for something beyond the confines of everyday existence. Berger's words serve as a poignant reminder of the profound and unyielding nature of the human imagination, which continues to dream of hares in the open, even while confined within the boundaries of materialist practice or philosophy.