Man, being a pleasure-loving creature, seeks a variety of enjoyments. Thanks to his intelligence, he can access a wide range of pleasures that are not available to animals. Examples include music, poetry, science, football, baseball, alcohol, and cigarettes, which cater to individuals with different temperaments and mental compositions. Additionally, some people venture on perilous expeditions across uncharted waters.
Some people foolishly subject themselves to frost-bite and other harsh weather conditions just to be recognized as conquerors of snowy peaks. However, the excitement that these practical individuals experience fails to truly inspire them. Even if they merely claim to understand, it takes them to a state of ethereal enjoyment. Any rational individual who has experienced the wide array of vicarious pleasures would not believe them.
Actually, the person who understands how to create fantasies is aware of the key to everlasting enjoyment, which never leaves one feeling bored or disappointed. Many have spoken highly of the fighters who, through their savage deeds, defeated their supposedly undefeatable foes. However, isn’t it true that these victors could never live without the fear of being overtaken by a braver and more cunning warrior or soldier?
Did the fear of imagination drive them to commit inhuman acts? Didn’t Aurangzeb subject his father and brothers to cruel treatment in order to become the undisputed emperor of India? They should have realized the indomitable nature of the person who wields a sword in his imaginary world, where no blood is shed and enemies are as easy to defeat as butterflies caught in a young boy’s net.
If they had been satisfied with these achievements, they may not have achieved much recognition in history, only being acknowledged by scholarly individuals. At the very least, they would have remained undisputed rulers over their territories. Ultimately, it does not concern a person if they are spoken of favorably or unfavorably after their death. Therefore, why should we subject ourselves to the dangerous battlefield filled with smoke? Isn’t it better to protect our impenetrable fortress that cannot be defended with deadly weapons? It is in this world that conspiracies make little progress.
The satisfaction and happiness we derive from achievements are sometimes disproportionate to the amount of effort invested. Despite meticulous planning and execution, the resulting pleasure is often minimal and fleeting. This can be disheartening if there is no subsequent accomplishment to follow. Furthermore, even if we perceive our accomplishments as noteworthy, others may not share the same perspective.
The text suggests that the viewpoints of a particular group, who hold little significance to us, have the potential to undermine our self-esteem and enjoyment. The apprehension of falling short of expectations can diminish the fulfillment we derive from attaining something tangible. Additionally, the period before accomplishing success is laden with considerable stress. Ultimately, we construct “castles on the earth” not solely for our personal gratification but also to appease others.
We work as slaves and not as masters of our souls. However, those who believe that idle dreams do not bring satisfaction are entitled to their viewpoint. As civilized individuals, we should honor their antiquated beliefs. Ultimately, pleasure is a subjective experience. When it transforms into a shared pursuit, such as deriving contentment from concrete achievements, it might be called by a different name. Nevertheless, erroneously labeling it as pleasure would be inaccurate.
Nevertheless, those who are grounded in reality often look down upon dreamers. The individuals who constantly focus on material possessions and are blind to the beauty of nature tend to have a disdain for those who have ambitious aspirations that may never come to fruition. However, it is thanks to these dreamers that we experience much of the vibrancy and happiness in the world. They infuse our dull existence with a sense of purpose and make life truly worthwhile.
They are the fearless angels who courageously wipe tears from every eye, boldly stepping or rushing forward, regardless of the attitude of oppressed individuals. Throughout history, these visionary individuals have been called eccentric. However, it is these visionaries who imagine a world different from their own, causing humanity to gradually evolve beyond other species. Their discontent with the current state of affairs motivates them to envision a world where mankind can experience the “sweetness and light” that they themselves have unknowingly pursued.
Day dreamers possess a unique capacity to disconnect from the monotony of everyday life, transcending the pessimistic perspective of realists. Their dreams are never shattered, and with unfaltering enthusiasm, they progress from one delight to the next. This sense of joy eludes those who cannot fully release themselves.
An egoist with ambitions to become the supreme ruler of a beloved realm cannot experience this pleasure. Only the worthy can enter this kingdom. Clearly, all material gains bring nothing but disappointment. With a pipe in its mouth and an empty gaze in its eyes, our dreamer is transported to a place where base hatred is transformed into love, humanism, open-mindedness, and internationalism. The world that emerges from such contemplation is a vivid and vibrant image, much like the view through a kaleidoscope seen by a young boy.
