Julio Cortazar: '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.'

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.

In his thought-provoking statement, Julio Cortazar suggests that it is only in dreams, poetry, and play that we occasionally reconnect with a deeper sense of self, a state that existed before our current existence. This quote beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of imagination and creative expression, highlighting their ability to transport us beyond the confines of our everyday lives. By delving into this quote and exploring an unexpected philosophical concept, we can further understand the significance of Cortazar's words and their implications for our understanding of identity and existence.At its core, Cortazar's quote invites us to reflect on how our true selves may be obscured by the masks we often wear to navigate societal expectations. It suggests that the experiences of dreams, poetry, and play strip away these societal veneers, granting us glimpses of our authentic nature. These realms allow us to tap into the wellspring of imagination, where the constraints of reality are momentarily transcended, and the limitations imposed by our conditioned existence are shattered.To fully appreciate the profundity of Cortazar's statement, let us introduce the concept of "existentialism." This philosophical school of thought asserts that human beings are responsible for creating their own meanings and purposes in life, as opposed to relying on external sources such as religion or societal norms. Existentialists argue that we are born into existence without predetermined meaning, and it is through our actions and choices that we define ourselves.In contrast to existentialism, Cortazar's quote seems to suggest that there is an underlying essence, a pre-existing state of being that can be accessed through dreams, poetry, and play. This notion challenges the existentialist belief, prompting us to ponder whether these creative outlets provide glimpses into a primordial realm of being, a state that predates even our conscious existence.In the realm of dreams, our minds tap into the vast reservoir of the subconscious, unhindered by the logical constraints of waking life. Here, hidden truths and repressed desires rise to the surface, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the essence of who we truly are. Through dreams, we unearth a spectrum of emotions, memories, and experiences that may have been buried beneath the layers of our waking selves.Poetry, on the other hand, unleashes the power of language, allowing us to express thoughts and emotions in a profoundly reflective and metaphorical manner. By its very nature, poetry evokes a sense of the ineffable, often capturing elusive emotions with vivid imagery and a rhythm that transcends ordinary speech. In the act of crafting or immersing ourselves in poetry, we detach from the mundane and venture into the vast realm of imagination. Here, we may find fragments of forgotten selves, dormant passions, and untold stories waiting to be discovered.Play, as Cortazar highlights, represents a unique space where we shed our adult inhibitions and engage in spontaneous and unrestricted exploration. It is through play that we truly immerse ourselves in the present moment, freeing ourselves from the constraints of our adult identities and societal expectations. In the process of play, we reconnect with the childlike wonder that once defined us, rediscovering forgotten joys, and rekindling dormant passions.By comparing and contrasting Cortazar's quote with the existentialist perspective, we open ourselves to new possibilities and challenges to conventional wisdom. While existentialism suggests that we start with a blank slate at birth, continually shaping our identities through choices, Cortazar contends that we have roots in a primordial self that can be accessed through dreams, poetry, and play.In conclusion, Julio Cortazar's quote invites us to embrace the transformative power of dreams, poetry, and play as vehicles for reconnecting with our core selves, transcending the limitations of our everyday existence. While existentialism emphasizes the responsibility of self-creation, Cortazar hints at an underlying essence that predates our conscious existence. By delving into these creative realms, we embark on a journey to uncover fragments of our authentic being, rediscovering those parts of ourselves that may have been lost or forgotten along life's winding path. So the next time you find yourself tangled in the complexity of your existence, dare to dream, write poetry, and engage in playful exploration – for in doing so, you might just unveil a profound connection to the person you were before you became the person you are today.