I have always been amazed at the way an ordinary observer lends so much more credence and attaches so much more importance to waking events than to those occurring in dreams... Man... is above all the plaything of his memory.

The quote "I have always been amazed at the way an ordinary observer lends so much more credence and attaches so much more importance to waking events than to those occurring in dreams... Man... is above all the plaything of his memory" by André Breton reflects his fascination with the nature of human consciousness and the difference between the conscious and unconscious mind. Breton, a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, often explored the interplay between reality, dreams, and memory. In this quote, he critiques how people tend to place more value on events that occur while they are awake, dismissing the significance of dreams, even though these dreams can offer profound insights into the unconscious mind.

Breton's words point to a bias in how we perceive and prioritize different types of experiences. While waking events are considered real and meaningful, dreams, which occur outside of our control, are often viewed as insignificant or irrational. Breton challenges this notion, suggesting that dreams may be just as important, if not more so, than waking events in revealing hidden truths about the human psyche. This perspective aligns with his belief in the importance of freedom and the unconscious mind in creative expression and self-discovery.

The origin of this quote lies in Breton’s philosophical views on memory, dreams, and the unconscious mind. As a key figure in the Surrealist movement, which sought to unlock the power of the unconscious and explore the irrational, Breton rejected conventional thinking and embraced the spontaneity of dreams and imagination. He saw dreams not as meaningless or irrelevant, but as a valuable part of human existence that reveals deeper layers of thought and desire.

Ultimately, Breton’s quote challenges us to rethink our understanding of the mind and the ways in which we perceive the world. It suggests that memory and dreams shape us just as much, if not more, than the events we experience while awake. The quote encourages us to recognize the significance of the unconscious mind and to approach both dreams and memories with the same level of curiosity and importance that we give to waking life, understanding that they too hold deep meanings about who we are.