Questions About Why We Dream: The Transformative Power of Our Nightly Journey

by Alice Robb (Goodreads Author)

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I just completed reading Why We Dream by Alice Robb. I am disappointed because the author failed to explain "why we dream." She had documented her sources and provided a rather broad overview of research about dreams. The title lead me to believe she was going to tell us why we dream. I did not find the reason in her book. I have written in a "dream diary" since I started reading the book. What did I miss?

Miles I would say there are quite a few answers to Why We Dream.
Ch. 6 "Preparation for Life" starts out with the evolutionary explanation (which is always a…moreI would say there are quite a few answers to Why We Dream.
Ch. 6 "Preparation for Life" starts out with the evolutionary explanation (which is always a good place to start in understanding our behavior) as a means for Early People to be more prepared for the dangers of life.

On p. 105, A. Robb discusses the purpose of the common dream where you're late / unprepared for an exam as a way to work things out beforehand. And studies in dream research supports this "preparedness" aspect.

The return of people who have died in our lives is discussed on p. 115. Again as part of the mourning process.

The end of the chapter discusses the role of dreaming in the process if getting prepared for death.(less)

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