Meaning:
The quote "O reason, reason, abstract phantom of the waking state, I had already expelled you from my dreams, now I have reached a point where those dreams are about to become fused with apparent realities: now there is only room here for myself" by Louis Aragon, a French poet, novelist, and essayist, reflects a deep introspection into the intersection of dreams and reality, and the role of reason in shaping our perceptions and experiences.
In this quote, Aragon seems to be expressing a sense of liberation from the constraints of rationality, embracing the merging of dreams and reality, and asserting the primacy of selfhood. The repetition of "reason, reason" emphasizes the concept of rationality as an illusory construct, a "phantom of the waking state," suggesting that it is a fleeting and intangible presence in the realm of dreams and subconscious thoughts. By stating that he had "already expelled" reason from his dreams, Aragon implies a deliberate rejection of the limitations imposed by rational thinking and logical analysis in the realm of the unconscious.
Aragon's declaration that "those dreams are about to become fused with apparent realities" suggests a blurring of boundaries between the inner world of dreams and the external world of waking life. This fusion of dreams and reality signifies a profound shift in perception, where the subjective experiences of the dreamer begin to permeate and influence the perceived external realities. It implies a dissolution of the dichotomy between the subjective and objective, the internal and external, leading to a more holistic understanding of existence.
The concluding statement, "now there is only room here for myself," reflects a radical assertion of individual agency and selfhood. Aragon seems to be reclaiming his own subjective experience as the central focus, asserting his autonomy and rejecting the dominance of external influences, including reason and societal expectations. This assertion of selfhood may be seen as a declaration of independence from the constraints of conventional norms and rational thought, embracing a more intuitive and authentic mode of being.
Aragon's quote encapsulates a profound existential exploration of the interplay between reason, dreams, and selfhood. It challenges the primacy of rationality and objective reality, suggesting that the subjective realm of dreams and inner experiences holds equal significance in shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world. By emphasizing the fusion of dreams with apparent realities and asserting the centrality of self, Aragon invites contemplation on the complex and multifaceted nature of human consciousness and the fluid boundaries between the conscious and subconscious mind.
In conclusion, Louis Aragon's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking meditation on the role of reason, dreams, and selfhood in shaping our perceptions and experiences. It invites us to reconsider the boundaries between the conscious and subconscious, the rational and the intuitive, and the external and internal realities. Through his evocative language and profound introspection, Aragon challenges us to embrace a more holistic understanding of existence, one that acknowledges the interplay between dreams and realities and celebrates the autonomy of the individual self.