Zhuang Zi's Dream of the Butterfly: Dreams, Reality and Artistic Creation from the Perspective of Psychoanalysis

Abstract

Dreams are an integral part of our daily lives. Every night, people fall asleep, and dreams—an important psychological and physiological phenomenon—occur frequently, experienced by both children and adults. These dreams are often strange yet fascinating. They may significantly impact our lives, or exist in complete isolation from reality, free from societal constraints. Most people forget their dreams shortly after waking up, retaining only fragmented memories and lingering sensations. Dreams, an eternal theme, have coursed through the annals of history. They've had a profound influence on philosophical and artistic research. This article commences with the renowned Chinese allegory “Zhuang Zhou’s Dream of the Butterfly.” It delves into its philosophical core, drawing parallels with Western dream psychoanalysis. Moreover, it explores how this ancient tale continues to shape the artistic exploration of dreams in contemporary art, uncovering its long - standing significance.