It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that our current reality may be perceived as merely a dream in a future life or existence.
Edgar Allan Poe's quote reflects on the nature of existence and consciousness. It proposes that what we perceive as reality in the present may be viewed as an illusion or 'dream' when compared to a higher state of being or future existence. This philosophical perspective invites contemplation on the transient nature of life and the deeper meanings that might exist beyond our immediate perception.
In practice
This quote can be used in a philosophical debate about the nature of reality.
But evil things, in robes of sorrow, Assailed the monarch's high estate; (Ah, let us mourn, for never morrow Shall dawn upon him desolate!) And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed, Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
Most writers - poets in especial - prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy - an ecstatic intuition - and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.
...the agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair.
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best have gone to their eternal rest.
I could have clasped the red walls to my bosom as a garment of eternal peace. "Death," I said, "any death but that of the pit!" Fool! might I have not known that into the pit it was the object of the burning iron to urge me?
In our endeavors to recall to memory something long forgotten, we often find ourselves upon the very verge of remembrance, without being able, in the end, to remember.
I would proclaim that the vast majority of what [say, Scientific American] is true-yet my ability to defend such a claim is weaker than I would like. And most likely the readers, authors, and editors of that magazine would be equally hard pressed to come up with cogent, non-technical arguments convincing a skeptic of this point, especially if pitted against a clever lawyer arguing the contrary. How come Truth is such a slippery beast?
[I]t seems that the Cannibals of Europe are going to eat one another again. A war between Russia and Turkey is like the battle of the kite and snake; whichever destroys the other, leaves a destroyer the less for the world.
The day we stop exploring is the day we commit ourselves to live in a stagnant world, devoid of curiosity, empty of dreams.
I do not believe that true optimism can come about except through tragedy.
In proportion to the development of his individuality, each person becomes more valuable to himself, and is therefore capable of being more valuable to others. . . .
The man who only loves beautiful things is dreaming, whereas the man who knows absolute beauty is wide awake.
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