Dreams

Name: Dreams
Author: Henri Bergson

By Henri Bergson

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Essays, Letters & Speeches Philosophy & Ethics Psychiatry/Psychology

About This Book

The essays examine dreaming as a window onto the unconscious, arguing that dreams occur when stored memories press upward into semi-consciousness and escape during sleep like steam through a valve. Dreams are presented as selective recombinations of past impressions that reorganize perception and feeling rather than as purely mystical omens or meaningless noise. The author contrasts dream-processes with waking thought, considers how dream-material can reveal hidden motives and associations, and outlines philosophical and psychological methods for interpreting dream imagery to better understand how memory shapes present consciousness.

About the Author

Henri Bergson

Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a French philosopher renowned for his influential ideas on time, consciousness, and evolution. His work is characterized by a unique blend of philosophical inquiry and scientific thought, challenging the mechanistic views of his time. Bergson's notable works include "Creative Evolution," where he explores the concept of life as a dynamic process, and "Time and Free Will," which examines the nature of human consciousness and perception of time. His philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on various fields, including psychology, literature, and the arts, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern thought.