Dreaming and Interpreting Dreams
Stoicism, with its focus on rationality, self-discipline, and alignment with nature, provides a distinct perspective on various aspects of human experience, including dreaming. The ancient Stoics, including philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, were primarily concerned with understanding reality as it is and aligning one’s perceptions and actions with reason. Within this framework, dreaming—and the interpretation of dreams—was not a central focus of Stoic philosophy, as dreams were often regarded as byproducts of the mind rather than meaningful guides to the future or divine messages. However, the Stoics did touch on dreams and their potential implications within the context of their broader philosophical principles.
The Nature of Dreams: A Stoic Lens
The Stoics considered the mind, or rational soul, as a vital faculty that distinguishes humans from other beings. Dreams, as products of the imagination and subconscious, were viewed as natural phenomena arising from mental and physical processes during sleep. Dreams could result from residual thoughts, daily experiences, or internalised emotions, reflecting the natural interplay of the mind's faculties when reason is not fully active during sleep.
Unlike other philosophical or religious traditions that often imbued dreams with significant spiritual or prophetic meaning, Stoics were generally skeptical of attributing mystical importance to dreams. For the Stoics, what truly mattered was engaging with reality and using rational judgment to navigate the waking world. Dreams, being largely outside an individual’s conscious control and unrelated to reason, were not typically seen as reliable sources of guidance or wisdom.
Dreams and the Dichotomy of Control
Central to Stoicism is the concept of the dichotomy of control—the distinction between what is within our control (our thoughts, actions, and responses) and what lies outside our control (external events, including dreams). From this perspective, the content of dreams belongs to the realm of the uncontrollable. A Stoic would approach dreaming with the same calm detachment as they might approach other natural phenomena, recognising dreams as part of life but not allowing them to dictate their actions or emotional state.
If one were disturbed or inspired by a dream, a Stoic might remind themselves of Epictetus’s advice: “It’s not events themselves that disturb people, but their judgments about these events.” Dreams, being transient mental experiences, would only hold the meaning a person assigns to them. A Stoic, therefore, would avoid being overly concerned with interpreting dreams and would instead focus on rational thought and virtuous action in their waking life.
Dream Interpretation: Stoic Caution Against Superstition
The Stoics often warned against superstition and irrational beliefs, which they saw as obstacles to clear thinking and virtuous living. In this context, interpreting dreams as omens or messages from the gods would be seen as a distraction from one’s rational duties. Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, encouraged focusing on what one could know and control, dismissing speculative or fantastical concerns. To place undue weight on dreams, according to Stoicism, would be to give power to something ephemeral and uncertain, potentially undermining one’s sense of reason and self-mastery.
A Practical Stoic Approach to Dreams
While dreams were not central to Stoic teachings, they were not dismissed outright. A Stoic might view dreams as reflections of the mind’s inner workings—offering insights into subconscious thoughts, unresolved emotions, or areas of focus in waking life. If a dream revealed recurring anxieties or desires, a Stoic could use it as an opportunity for self-examination.
Seneca’s advice on self-reflection could be extended to analysing dreams: “We should every night call ourselves to an account. What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired?” If a dream highlighted an emotional reaction or moral concern, it might serve as a prompt for deeper reflection on personal growth and adherence to Stoic virtues.
Stoic Views on Divine Influence and Dreams
The Stoics believed in a rational, orderly cosmos governed by divine reason, or logos. Within this worldview, some Stoics acknowledged that dreams, like other natural occurrences, might occasionally align with the will of the divine. However, even in such cases, a Stoic would approach dreams with caution, seeking to interpret them through the lens of reason rather than succumbing to superstition.
Dreams that seemed significant would be evaluated in terms of their alignment with virtue and rationality. Did the dream inspire courage, justice, temperance, or wisdom? If so, it could be considered useful as a metaphorical reminder of these ideals but not as a literal prediction or directive.
Conclusion
In Stoicism, dreams are neither central to philosophy nor a reliable source of wisdom. They are seen as natural phenomena, products of the mind that reflect one’s inner life. Stoics approach dreams with detachment, recognising them as part of the uncontrollable aspects of existence. Any emotional or intellectual significance derived from dreams should align with reason and virtue, serving as a tool for self-awareness rather than superstition.
By focusing on rational thought and purposeful action in the waking world, Stoics ground themselves in reality, ensuring that even the most vivid or enigmatic dreams do not sway them from their path of inner peace and virtuous living. As Marcus Aurelius advised: “Do not waste what remains of your life in speculating about your neighbors, unless with a view to some mutual benefit. To wonder what so-and-so is doing and why, or what they are saying, or thinking, or planning, or the like, is a misuse of opportunity.” Dreams, like the idle chatter of the mind, are best acknowledged briefly and then set aside in favor of rational and virtuous engagement with life.