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The Way We Dream

Jan 20, 2022

In this engaging discussion, neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro, author of 'The Oracle of Night,' dives into the fascinating world of dreams. He explores how dreams help us process grief and personal transformation, drawing on compelling stories from individuals coping with loss. The conversation highlights the historical significance of dreams, from Paleolithic art to modern science, and their impact on creativity and cultural development. Ribeiro challenges the view of dreams as mere biological reactions, emphasizing their vital role in understanding our emotions and experiences.

51:20

Creator website

Episode guests

Sidarta Ribeiro

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Dreams and Healing from Loss

7min

Exploring the Meaning and Impact of Dreams

3min

The Science of Dreaming

7min

Unlocking the Cave of Dreams

4min

Cave Art and the Dream World

13min

The Evolving Significance of Dreams

2min

The Evolution of Dream Understanding

15min

Production Acknowledgments and Listener Engagement

2min

Our dreams can haunt us: literally. Recurring dreams about failing tests or running late are a common occurrence, but what are we to make of them? And are there hidden meanings in our dreams? Paleolithic hunter-gatherers may have painted their dreams onto caves, Julius Caesar's wife envisioned his assassination in a dream, and major works of art and music have been inspired by dreams. But with the scientific revolution came a different view of dreams, one in which they were dismissed as merely a meaningless biological reaction. Today, researchers are challenging that age-old assumption and finding new evidence that dreams are a vital way human beings process the world. In this episode, Sidarta Ribeiro takes us on a journey through the history of our understanding of dreams.

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