Meaning: The quote by musician Robyn Hitchcock sheds light on the relationship between deviant behavior and dreams. He suggests that many people's deviant behavior begins with dreams because dreams are non-linear in nature. This implies that the non-linear and unpredictable nature of dreams can influence individuals to deviate from conventional or expected behavior in waking life. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to explore the concepts of deviant behavior and the nature of dreams.

Deviant behavior refers to actions or behaviors that significantly differ from societal norms and expectations. These behaviors can range from minor infractions to more serious transgressions and are often viewed as unconventional or unacceptable by the larger society. Deviant behavior can take various forms, including criminal activities, substance abuse, and non-conformity to cultural or social norms.

On the other hand, dreams are a fundamental aspect of human experience, characterized by a non-linear and often surreal nature. During sleep, individuals encounter a world of imagination and subconscious thoughts that are not bound by the constraints of logic or rationality. Dreams can encompass a wide range of experiences, from mundane occurrences to fantastical and surreal scenarios. The non-linear and unpredictable nature of dreams sets them apart from the structured and logical nature of waking life.

Hitchcock's assertion that deviant behavior begins with dreams suggests a connection between the non-linear, unpredictable nature of dreams and the potential influence they exert on individuals' waking behaviors. The quote implies that the non-linear nature of dreams may inspire individuals to deviate from linear, predictable patterns of behavior that are often expected by society. In this sense, dreams can serve as a source of inspiration or influence for deviant behavior, leading individuals to act in ways that defy societal norms and expectations.

Moreover, Hitchcock's observation challenges the assumption that everything in life has to be linear or plotted. This notion underscores the idea that individuals are not always bound by linear, predictable paths in their thoughts and actions. The non-linear nature of dreams may disrupt the conventional expectations and assumptions that govern behavior, prompting individuals to explore alternative and unconventional avenues.

In a broader context, the quote also raises questions about the relationship between creativity, imagination, and deviant behavior. The non-linear and imaginative nature of dreams may play a role in fostering creativity and unconventional thinking, which can, in turn, lead to behaviors that deviate from societal norms. This perspective aligns with the idea that creativity often involves breaking away from established patterns and conventions, and dreams may serve as a catalyst for such creative and deviant impulses.

In conclusion, Robyn Hitchcock's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the potential link between dreams and deviant behavior. By highlighting the non-linear nature of dreams and its potential influence on individuals' waking behaviors, the quote encourages a re-examination of the relationship between imagination, creativity, and unconventional actions. Understanding the complex interplay between dreams and deviant behavior can provide valuable insights into human behavior and the multifaceted nature of the human psyche.