Psychohistorical Origin of Dream Consciousness (article)

In human history when and how did dreaming consciousness and the ability to metaphorize (or “image-make”) originate? This question has been the subject of extensive research by MacKenzie (1965), Mumford (1966), and Langer (1972). Mumford (1966) concluded that protohuman consciousness was initially comprised of dream­like consciousness which gradually evolved into waking consciousness, in response to outer demands. Langer (1972) suggests that imagination was probably involuntary in early human existence and dominated waking and dream consciousness. During the primitive hominoid stage of human development studies indicate, dreaming and waking consciousness were not clearly differentiated. Out of this diffuse state of consciousness, human beings developed the ability to image-make. This ability to differentiate image from fact and to metaphorize (or “image-make”) is basic to our understanding of dreams, as well as to human, social and cultural evolution. Primitive and ancient cultures attributed dream consciousness to spirits and Gods. The historical influence of dream metaphors is recorded in the dream accounts of artists, inventors, statesmen, religious leaders, philosophers and scientists. Alexander the Great, for example, developed certain military strategies as a result of his dream metaphors. Beethoven and Wagner both dreamed of metaphorical musical compositions which they recorded upon awakening. Throughout history, human beings have utilized dream metaphors in a variety of forms in order to create meaning in their life experiences.

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