Abstract This paper describes how dreaming is a means of ensuring good health. The author explains though all human beings dream when they sleep (barring some manger of brain injury), it has been largely unclear why this is so. The purpose of this study will be to illustrate what is known about dreaming and its relationship to human health through an examination of the critical theories that have been developed over the years to account for the human dreamstate.
From the Paper "For thousands of years, scholars have debated the meaning and significance of dreaming. The importance of sleep is obvious. Without sleep, mental and physical health quickly deteriorates because the body does not have a chance to revitalize itself. Sleep itself is known to boost brainpower and also keep the body healthy (The night shift, 2005). However, though all human beings dream when they sleep (barring some manger of brain injury), it has been largely unclear why this is so. The purpose of this study will be to illustrate what is known about dreaming and its relationship to human health through an examination of the critical theories that have been developed over the years to account for the human dream state. What is known for certain about dreaming is that it is an ubiquitous state of cognition during sleep for all mammals and all birds"
Abstract Lucid dreaming is a paradoxical mental state in which dreamers become aware that they are dreaming and, in some cases, deliberately take control of the dream action. This paper provides an overview of why humans sleep and dream, an examination of what lucid dreams are, and their relevance to psychologists and other clinicians today. A discussion of the potential adverse consequences identified by some critics is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Why Do Humans Sleep and Dream Anyway?
What Are Lucid Dreams? Cheap Thrills or Divine Insight?
Learning How to Dream Lucidly
Relevance of Lucid Dreaming to Psychology
"Completely Risk-Free" or Not?
Improving Accessibility to Lucid Dreaming Conclusion
From the Paper "Because everyone dreams, it would seem easy enough to classify the experience as being "ordinary," and yet the dream experience itself can seem to be anything but "ordinary." Researchers have been investigating why animals sleep and have attempted to determine the biological role of dreams. Lucid dreaming means dreaming while knowing that you are dreaming. This consciousness allows people to guide their dreams and explore a potentially infinite number of possibilities. A staunch lucid dream advocate and researcher, Dr. Stephen LaBerge, even maintains that lucid dreaming may help people heal faster and enjoy other benefits, including aiding personal-development, enhancing self-confidence, overcoming nightmares, improving mental (and perhaps, physical) health, facilitating creative problem solving as well as providing "thrilling entertainment." In all fairness, it should be pointed out that LaBerge is also hawking DreamLights and other devices designed to help people learn how to dream lucidly at as much as $1,000 a pop -- and he has sold a lot of them."
This paper discusses that, until recently, Western philosophy tended to look at dreams negatively as a source of confusion and as a way of determining a person's character.
Abstract This paper explains that, although Western philosophy emphasized the irrationality of dreams and the dreamingstate, Socrates and Aristotle investigated the thought that the dream was a possible indicator of a person's character. The author points out that this investigative of dreams came to an abrupt halt with Descartes, and not until Jean-Paul Sartre's "The Psychology of Imagination" did dreams became an extended topic for philosophical inquiry. The paper relates that an existential psychoanalytic approach to dreams can be seen in Ludwig Binswanger's essay, ?Dream and Existence? (1930), Michel Foucault's ?Dream, Imagination, and Existence? (1954), and in Federico Fellini's dream sequence and interpretation in his film, ?8 ??.
From the Paper "These early thoughts on dreams have a certain charm in their quaintness and naivet?, and they were tentative attempts at trying to connect the dream state with the awake state. But if the dream had any notion of entering into center stage at any time beyond this period of philosophical antiquity, Descartes rudely gave the dream the hook and pulled it away from the wings and out the exit door. Never mind how the dream state connects with the awake state and how we can come to understand our daily lives. When Descartes contrasted the waking life with the dream state, he talked about the dream as a negative example to advance his theory of rational evidence, the role of sense perception, and the sensory resources available in the waking life."
Abstract This paper examines how, in the United States, there is currently a paradigm of tolerance as never before and how the many different cultures that make up the United States have never been more deeply studied in order to understand them. It looks at how colonization has been finished, how the American dream has been fulfilled, and how all that remains is attempting to understand the casualties that occurred as a result of the rush towards this dream fulfillment.
Outline
African-Americans in the United States Asian-Americans
Native Americans
Conclusion
From the Paper "The key difference between Asian- and African-Americans, in terms of their arrival in the United States, is the fact that the Asians immigrated willingly in search of the American Dream, while Africans were imported against their will as slaves. The Asians, mainly composed of Chinese, were initially welcomed. However, as soon as the economy in terms of the California gold rush became an issue, discrimination once again favored the Caucasian over all others. During the late 1800's this then resulted in the Asian exclusion from citizenship."
Abstract This essay discusses how the "American dream" is one of individual liberty, prosperity, success, and equal inclusion. Some Americans have been able to make the dream come true. Others have been less fortunate. The paper demonstrates how American industries and the United States government helped individuals and groups to turn the dream into reality in the period 1896 to 1932. Nonetheless, because of inequality, many Americans were excluded from the dream.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that by the middle of the 19th century, Jefferson's famous expression regarding all men being created equal had become the cornerstone for an ideology known as Manifest Destiny. The bloom of the American Dream later wilted, as portrayed by F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', with poisons of immorality into a triangulation of corruption. The writer discusses that both Clinton and Gatsby have chased their own American Dream, but in a self-induced state of lies and deceit. The writer notes that Gatsby's future ended short with failure to fulfill his dream, while Clinton's failures have not presently met such drastic conclusions. The writer concludes that from Thomas Jefferson, through the era of triangulation, 'The Great Gatsby' displays how the American Dream has withered away as the paths of dishonesty, greed, and corruption are taken in the ultimate pursuit of happiness.
From the Paper "This statement about Gatsby is just as true for Clinton. From the start of his tenure in 1993 until the last days of 2000, President Clinton produced many positive actions and executive orders such as The Family and Medical Leave Act, The Brady Act, and an increased minimum wage. Gatsby also seemed to produce positive events by opening the doors to his mansion to all who would come, with weekly celebrations of food, music, and entertainment.
"With as much weight as constructive actions may carry, some of Clinton's political decisions seemed to diminish any existence of good just as Gatsby's false social and self-promoting pronouncements. On top of the countless lies, Clinton gave a middle-class tax increase, a policy known as ... "
Abstract The paper discusses "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. The paper notes that the play weaves together the three subject themes: a reality in Athens, a dream-state in the woods, and the play-within-the play. The paper discusses that it is a tale of three romances, of love triangles, of jealousy and hilarity. The paper also states that Shakespeare's play is therefore structured to ask its readers and viewing audiences to contemplate the meaning of fiction and its impact on human consciousness.
From the Paper "They share characters and situations. For example, all four of the play's central human characters fall asleep in the woods and enter its dreamlike world. Hermia, Helena, Demetrius and Lysander all appear in the city and in the woods and have equally significant roles in both worlds. Likewise, Bottom and the rest of the craftsmen troop practice "Pyramus and Thisbe" in the woods but perform it to the king and queen-to-be in Athens. The woods therefore serves as the place in which dreams are created, crafted, and nurtured. Those dreams then impact the daily lives of those living in the concrete world of the city, just as Shakespeare's play impacts the daily lives of those who read and watch them."
Abstract This paper offers a review of Anthony's Burgess' article on the state of America, called "American Dream". In his assessment of the state of America, Anthony Burgess paints a picture of America as a country in neurosis. For Burgess, America is a young country that places a great premium on individualism. This gives rise to an unchecked consumerism, to the neglect of public utilities and services, to unhealthy alliances between governments and the elite.
From the Paper "Three decades after the Burgess article, the America is still far from being a socialized country. However, while Burgess's argument for socialization has merit, he makes a mistake in ascribing the cause to an ethic of individualism. One of the great social developments since 1971 was the growth of various grassroots and citizen movements, aimed at giving previously disenfranchised citizens a voice. For example, the women's movement and various ethnicity-based groups began to organize and air their grievances. As a result, people began to devote more attention to social structures and practices that maintained existing social hierarchies."
Tags: society, united, states, capitalism, history, politics
Abstract This paper considers how Americans are viewed by those on the outside of the United States. The writer discusses how Americans see themselves. The writer examines what is promised to those living in the United States by history, geography, news or popular culture. In this essay, the writer discusses whether that promise is achievable? The writer also addresses the question whether it needs to be achievable.
From the Paper "In his essay "Selling Our Innocence Abroad" Pico Iyer makes a number of observations about the United States and its place in the world and he reflects on the ongoing attraction of the United States to people around the world. Without doubt, America is still the greatest military power on earth and even if America's economic strength is waning, while the economies of a united Europe are strengthening, Iyer acknowledges that the American economy remains vibrant and American citizens enjoy among the highest standard ... "
Tags: Visons of the American Dream: United States, history, geography, news or popular culture, promised by living here. Is that promise achievable? Does it need to be?
Abstract This paper discusses how "The European Dream" is considered to be a reference work in the context of the 21st century and its tendencies. It examines how the book practically presents a new vision of the future of the world, a world in which the main superpower will be considered to be the European Union, despite the recent failure to adopt a Constitution and despite the differences, visible at one moment or another, among the member states.
From the Paper "Another feature of the American civil society, which has also been adopted by the Europeans, is the cultural diversity. If in the past foreigners were considered to be an impediment to the progress and were treated as such by the European natives, nowadays things seem to have changed and the racist views have been replaced by multicultural ones. Under these circumstances, the attention has been moved in Europe from the possession and distribution of the capital and the maintenance of the private property to the preservation of cultural values and identity."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that when dreams and the purpose of dreaming are discussed, Sigmund Freud's theory of dreaming invariably makes its way into the discussion. The writer notes that regardless of the content of his theories and their highly controversial nature, Freud is considered a pioneer in the field and his work is assigned utmost critical value. According to Freud, dreams were closely connected with wish fulfillment. The writer points out that it is important to understand that Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams" that came out in 1900 was only the first version of his theory, he later revised his theory significantly and it is the final form that must be discussed more often. The writer concludes that Freud is an important name in the field but even his theory was fraught with limitations.
From the Paper "Freud's work was followed by host of other theories on dreams, which borrowed from, revised and added to his original theory. Long before Freud, Aristotle had discussed the subject of dreaming which the conclusion that human beings are created for activity but since they do need to rest, their mind preserves the important function of activity by staying active and alive. He also tied it to diet and digestion. All parts of his theory may not hold true today but Aristotle's argument of activity has always received considerable attention."
Abstract The paper examines "Death of a Salesman," written by Arthur Miller and first performed in 1949, that is often said to be a play about the failure of the American Dream. The paper explains that there is some dispute about whether or not the play should be ranked as a tragedy, but most people agree that it deals with the subject of the American Dream. The paper considers the argument that the play is indeed about the confusion and pathos of a man and his two sons deluded by the American Dream, so that they waste their lives chasing a dream that is not only impossible for them to attain, but in fact not even worth attaining.
Abstract A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper "In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the "land of promise" where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The "American dream" differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one's goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
Abstract This paper covers dream interpretation, different types of dreams and why we have them. The author looks at some theories of Sigmund Freud, dream interpretation in different religions, REM sleep and provides some examples.
From the Paper "Why do we have dreams? Many people wonder why we dream and what they mean. Research now shows that dreams occur during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Most of those detailed dreams that we remember, researchers say, happen during REM sleep. REM sleep is a stage in our natural sleep cycle in which dreams occur. During REM sleep there is rapid eye movement, loss in reflexes, increased pulse rate, and brain activity. (Lavie 65 - 70)"
Tags:dreams, conscious, unconscious, REM, sleep, cycle, heart, body, mind
Abstract This paper discusses how, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", the notion of dreams and aspirations is central to the play. More specifically, the paper looks at how, it is the perversion of the American dream that provides the hinge of the work and how Willy's supreme investment in and subsequent warping of the American dream ultimately destroys both himself and his family.
From the Paper "In "Act Two" Charley asks Willy "Why must everybody like you?" (p. 97). It is because, more than anything, Willy wishes to be personally successful. He ties this success to the idea of landscape and to the American ideal of the frontier. His job as traveling salesman who is constantly expanding is key: he is always "going west" in search of different land to conquer (i.e. sell to). This spreading out is indicative of his drive to earn more and more wealth, the main component of his view of success. Secondly, he is a salesman; his very job hinges on selling and consuming. In fact he is essentially selling himself every time and his finical survival depends on his ability to sell not just his product, but himself as a provider of that product. It is this absolute reliance on his own self ability that feeds in to the ideals of Willy's American Dream. "
