Now, everybody, I suppose, is aware that in recent years the silly business of divination by dreams has ceased to be a joke and has become a very serious science.

In this quote, Arthur Machen reflects on the evolving perception of divination through dreams, noting that it has transitioned from being a silly business or joke to a more serious, scientific pursuit. Traditionally, the idea that dreams could foretell the future or reveal hidden truths was often dismissed as superstitious or frivolous. However, Machen suggests that in recent years, this practice has gained legitimacy and has become more widely regarded as a serious science.

Machen's comment highlights the shift in how society views the role of dreams in understanding the human experience. While dream interpretation and divination were once seen as mystical or unscientific, modern psychological theories, such as those by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, have introduced more rigorous frameworks for exploring dreams' symbolic and emotional significance. These shifts have helped move the study of dreams from the realm of superstition into more structured and scientific discourse.

By calling attention to the growing seriousness of the field, Machen acknowledges the increasing recognition of the psychological and spiritual importance of dreams. Rather than simply being dismissed as random or meaningless, dreams are now being studied as potential windows into the subconscious, offering insights into a person's emotions, desires, and fears. This recognition signals a broader societal shift toward understanding the mind and human consciousness more deeply.

Ultimately, Machen’s quote illustrates the evolving cultural and intellectual approach to dreams. What was once a subject of ridicule or curiosity is now approached with greater respect and scientific inquiry, marking a transformation in the study of human consciousness and the potential of dreams to reveal aspects of the mind that were once hidden or misunderstood.