What is a television apparatus to man, who has only to shut his eyes to see the most inaccessible regions of the seen and the never seen, who has only to imagine in order to pierce through walls and cause all the planetary Baghdads of his dreams to rise from the dust.

In the quote, "What is a television apparatus to man, who has only to shut his eyes to see the most inaccessible regions of the seen and the never seen, who has only to imagine in order to pierce through walls and cause all the planetary Baghdads of his dreams to rise from the dust," Salvador Dali contrasts the limitations of external technology with the limitless potential of the human imagination. He argues that the human mind, through creativity and vision, can access infinite possibilities—much more than any television or technological device could offer. By simply closing one's eyes and imagining, a person can explore realms beyond physical barriers and create worlds that don't exist.

Dali's reference to "planetary Baghdads" draws upon the idea of a fantastical, mythical, and dream-like creation. Baghdad, historically a center of learning and mystery, represents a symbolic place of vast knowledge and imagination. Dali uses this metaphor to suggest that our dreams and imagination can conjure up entire worlds, bringing to life places and scenarios that the television—as a tool for visual storytelling—could never match in depth or creativity. His words emphasize the power of the mind over the limitations of technology.

The origin of this quote lies in Dali’s surrealist philosophy, which celebrated the boundaries of human creativity and the potential of the subconscious mind. Known for his eccentric and imaginative works, Dali often explored themes of dreams, the unconscious, and the ways in which reality could be twisted by the imagination. His view on television in this quote critiques the artificial constraints it places on the human spirit, suggesting that true freedom lies in the mind's eye rather than in technological devices.

Ultimately, Dali’s quote highlights the power of the human mind to transcend the limits of physical reality. While technology like the television can provide visual entertainment, it pales in comparison to the boundless creativity and vision offered by the human imagination. Dali invites us to recognize that our dreams are the true source of endless discovery and creation.