It is great good health to believe, as the Hindus do, that there are 33 million gods and goddesses in the world. It is great good health to want to understand one's dreams. It is great good health to desire the ambiguous and paradoxical.

In this quote, Clive Barker explores the concept of good health beyond the physical body, suggesting that true well-being also involves a mental and spiritual state of being. He refers to the Hindu belief in 33 million gods and goddesses, highlighting the idea that a vast, inclusive worldview that embraces mystery and complexity contributes to a person’s mental and emotional health. For Barker, spirituality and the acceptance of the divine in many forms play a vital role in nurturing a person’s sense of wholeness.

Barker also suggests that understanding one’s dreams is another form of great good health. Dreams are often seen as windows into the unconscious mind, and the desire to explore them can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. By seeking meaning in dreams, individuals engage with the deeper, often ambiguous aspects of their psyche, which can promote mental well-being and offer insights into their emotional state.

The quote further emphasizes the value of embracing ambiguity and paradox—things that don’t have clear answers or simple solutions. According to Barker, desiring to understand and accept these complexities is also a sign of good health. Rather than seeking rigid, straightforward answers, exploring the uncertain and contradictory can help individuals develop a more flexible and resilient mindset.

Ultimately, Barker’s words suggest that mental health and spiritual well-being are not just about physical health or a clear, unchanging worldview, but about engaging with the mystery, complexity, and ambiguity of life. By embracing diverse beliefs and perspectives, and being open to personal exploration, one can achieve a deeper, more holistic form of health.