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How is it possible not to feel that there is communication between our solitude as a dreamer and the solitudes of childhood? And it is no accident that, in a tranquil reverie, we often follow the slope which returns us to our childhood solitudes.
Gaston Bachelard
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that our dreams and moments of solitude are connected to the solitude we experienced in childhood.

Gaston Bachelard reflects on the deep connection between the solitude of adulthood, particularly in dreams and reverie, and the solitude experienced in childhood. He implies that these peaceful, introspective moments serve as a bridge to the past, allowing us to revisit and connect with our earlier selves. This communication between our present solitude and childhood experiences highlights the enduring impact of those formative years on our consciousness.

Themes

SolitudeChildhoodDreamsReverie

In practice

Example use cases

A writer reflecting on their childhood in an interview might use this quote to explain their creative process.

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The reverie we intend to study is poetic reverie. This is a reverie which poetry puts on the right track, the track an expanding consciousness follows. This reverie is written, or, at least, promises to be written. It is already facing the great universe of the blank page. Then images begin to compose and fall into place.
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