Arthur Erickson: 'The great dream merchant Disney was a success because make-believe was what everyone seemed to need in a spiritually empty land.'

The great dream merchant Disney was a success because make-believe was what everyone seemed to need in a spiritually empty land.

In his thought-provoking quote, Arthur Erickson highlights the success of the renowned dream merchant, Disney, attributing it to the ubiquitous yearning for make-believe in a spiritually empty land. At face value, this quote suggests that Disney's ability to provide fantastical worlds and narratives resonated with individuals who were searching for an escape from their mundane realities. However, delving deeper into the concept of spiritual emptiness and its relationship to make-believe opens up a realm of philosophical discourse that sparks curiosity and engages the reader in an unexpected manner.On the surface, Erickson's assertion implies that Disney's success stems from meeting a fundamental human need: the desire to transcend the monotony and existential void that pervades contemporary society. It suggests that the spiritually emptier a land becomes, the more appealing the allure of make-believe becomes. Disney, as a master dream merchant, capitalized on this yearning by creating imaginative experiences that transported individuals into a world of fantasy and limitless possibilities. The profound success of Disney, therefore, lies in fulfilling a deep-seated need for escapism.However, to further enrich the discussion, it is intriguing to introduce the concept of make-believe as a mode of spiritual fulfillment. While Erickson's quote initially seems to suggest that Disney merely offers a temporary escape from spiritual emptiness, an alternative perspective emerges when one considers the profound impact that make-believe can have on one's inner world. Rather than merely serving as a distraction, make-believe in art, literature, and entertainment has the potential to awaken dormant spiritual depths, prompting individuals to ponder existential questions, question societal norms, and explore the realms of imagination. In this sense, make-believe can facilitate spiritual growth and offer a sanctuary for the human spirit.To comprehend the significance of make-believe in addressing spiritual emptiness, a juxtaposition with reality becomes necessary. The stark contrast between the real world, often filled with despair, disillusionment, and relentless pursuit of material success, and the make-believe world, brimming with beauty, magic, and enchantment, highlights the potential role of fantasy in providing solace and restoration. This contrast prompts individuals to seek refuge in the realm of make-believe, where they can momentarily escape from the burdens of reality and search for deeper meaning.Yet, one may also argue that relying too heavily on make-believe to fill the void of spiritual emptiness can hinder personal growth and stagnate genuine human connection. By indulging in purely fictional narratives, individuals risk neglecting the complexities and challenges of authentic human experiences. Make-believe, although capable of sparking spiritual reflection, should not supplant genuine interactions and the pursuit of real-world connections. Nonetheless, the value of make-believe in providing moments of respite and fostering self-exploration remains undeniable.Ultimately, Erickson's quote offers profound insight into the human psyche and the intrinsic longing for meaningful experiences amidst a spiritually empty landscape. The success of Disney as a dream merchant stems from the ability to tap into this universal desire for make-believe, offering an escape from the banality of everyday life. However, it is crucial to recognize that make-believe can go beyond a simple diversion. It has the power to nourish the spiritual essence within individuals, prompting reflection, imagination, and growth. By acknowledging the role of make-believe as a tool for spiritual fulfillment, we can gain a deeper appreciation for both the enchantment Disney brings and the transformative potential of embracing a world beyond our own.