We all dream – day and night dreams – it’s one of the essential things that makes us human. But what, if anything, do dreams mean? Ancient and tribal peoples lay great emphasis on dreams, but is there a place for dreams in our modern, secular society? Many have given up dreaming, in despair at their regulated lives, or in fear of stepping outside the objective scientific paradigm, or in awe of the sociobiologists who provide such seductive explanations for our existence. Should we follow their lead, or should we dare to swim against the tide?

As we navigate our way through the complex world of personal opportunity jumbled up with political control, and eclectic wisdom muddled up with exploitative gurus, dreams can remind us of a more ancient self – the self concerned with what we really need and want from life: the relationships vocations, communities, endeavours, creativity, and above all Love, that can bring us hope for the future: that can make life truly meaningful, worthwhile and fulfilling.