Meaning: The quote "Only in dreams, in poetry, in play do we sometimes arrive at what we were before we were this thing that, who knows, we are" by Julio Cortazar, a renowned Argentine writer, invites readers to contemplate the transformative and imaginative power of dreams, poetry, and play. Cortazar's words suggest that these creative and introspective pursuits allow individuals to reconnect with a sense of self that is unencumbered by the constraints of reality and societal expectations. This quote encapsulates Cortazar's belief in the liberating and transformative potential of artistic expression and the human imagination.

Julio Cortazar was a prominent figure in Latin American literature, known for his innovative writing style and his contributions to the literary movement known as magical realism. Born in Belgium in 1914 to Argentine parents, Cortazar spent much of his life in Argentina and later in France, where he became associated with the Latin American literary boom of the 1960s and 1970s. His work often delved into themes of identity, perception, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Cortazar's quote reflects his interest in the ways in which art and creativity can offer a glimpse into deeper truths about human existence. The mention of dreams, poetry, and play as vehicles for arriving at a pre-existing state of being suggests a belief in the timeless and universal aspects of human consciousness. Through these creative mediums, Cortazar implies, individuals can access a fundamental essence of themselves that transcends the complexities and limitations of their present circumstances.

Dreams, in particular, hold a special significance in Cortazar's quote. The realm of dreams has long been associated with subconscious desires, fears, and unfiltered thoughts. In the context of the quote, dreams represent a space where individuals can tap into their primal, unadulterated selves, unencumbered by the constraints of waking life. Cortazar suggests that in the fluid and surreal landscapes of dreams, individuals may reconnect with a purer form of their own being, unburdened by the trappings of societal roles and expectations.

Similarly, poetry and play are cited as conduits for accessing this pre-existing state of being. Poetry, with its capacity for condensing complex emotions and experiences into distilled language, can evoke profound and primal truths about human existence. Cortazar's reference to play aligns with his broader interest in the interplay between reality and imagination. Play, whether in the form of artistic experimentation or childlike whimsy, offers a means of transcending the limitations of adult rationality and tapping into a more authentic mode of self-expression.

Cortazar's quote also resonates with broader philosophical and psychological perspectives on the nature of identity and consciousness. From a psychological standpoint, the notion of accessing a pre-existing state of being through dreams, poetry, and play can be seen as an exploration of the subconscious mind and its role in shaping our sense of self. Dreams, in particular, have been the subject of extensive study within the field of psychology, with theorists such as Carl Jung emphasizing their symbolic and archetypal significance in the individuation process.

From a philosophical perspective, Cortazar's words echo existentialist themes of authenticity and self-discovery. The idea of arriving at what we were before we were "this thing that, who knows, we are" speaks to the existential quest for understanding one's true nature beyond external labels and societal constructs. In this sense, Cortazar's quote aligns with existentialist notions of stripping away layers of inauthenticity to reveal a more essential self.

In conclusion, Julio Cortazar's quote encapsulates his belief in the transformative and revelatory potential of dreams, poetry, and play. By invoking these creative and introspective pursuits, Cortazar invites readers to consider the ways in which art and imagination can offer glimpses into deeper truths about human existence and the nature of identity. Whether interpreted through psychological, philosophical, or literary lenses, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the human imagination to transcend the constraints of reality and reconnect with essential aspects of the self.