We need fantasy to survive because reality is too difficult.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The idea that "we need fantasy to survive because reality is too difficult" points to a profound truth about the human condition. It touches on our inner need to escape, to find solace, and to dream. Reality, in all its rawness, often overwhelms us with its relentless challenges—whether it be heartbreak, loss, financial struggle, or the complexities of our own minds. These difficulties can create a sense of suffocation, where it feels like we’re constantly swimming against the current, barely keeping our heads above water. Fantasy offers a lifeline. It provides a space where we can breathe, explore, and even thrive without the constraints of what is often a heavy and unpredictable world.
At the heart of this idea is the recognition that humans are not built to handle the weight of reality at all times. We need breaks, spaces where the laws of nature and society bend to our will, where anything is possible, and where we can imagine different outcomes and new possibilities. This is the essence of fantasy. It isn’t just an escape—it’s a survival mechanism, a mental and emotional buffer against the cold, hard facts of life. Imagine a person working tirelessly day after day, burdened by the grind of everyday responsibilities. Without moments of imaginative release, that person's spirit could become worn down, losing the spark that makes life feel worth living.
Fantasy doesn’t necessarily mean dragons or wizards, although those elements can be part of it. It’s anything that allows our minds to step beyond the limitations of our immediate circumstances. It could be something as simple as daydreaming about a future vacation or imagining how life might be if circumstances were different. These mental excursions are not meaningless distractions—they are vital to keeping our emotional and psychological well-being intact. Just as the body needs sleep to recover, the mind needs fantasy to maintain its resilience.
Consider children. They naturally engage in fantasy as a way of making sense of the world and dealing with their emotions. A child pretending to be a superhero might be working through feelings of powerlessness. That same child, lost in a make-believe world, is actually coping with the complexities of reality in a way that feels manageable. Adults do something similar, though we may not always recognize it. We fantasize about achieving goals, romanticizing relationships, or dreaming up adventures that may never come to pass. These fantasies aren’t futile; they are our way of keeping hope alive, of staying connected to what makes life vibrant and joyful, even when the world around us feels unkind or unforgiving.
In a sense, fantasy acts as a pressure valve, releasing the tension that builds from the demands of daily life. Imagine trying to live without the release of fantasy. You’d be constantly bogged down by the weight of facts, the limits of time, the boundaries of what’s possible, and the responsibilities of the present moment. It would be like trying to carry a load of bricks without ever setting them down—eventually, you would break under the pressure. Fantasy allows you to put those bricks down, if only for a little while, and regain the strength to continue forward.
Fantasy also taps into our innate creativity and the human desire for growth and change. It’s in fantasy that we test out ideas, where we stretch the limits of what could be. When reality feels too rigid or confining, fantasy allows us to imagine new ways of being. Think of someone stuck in a dead-end job. Without the ability to imagine a different future, they may become complacent or resigned to their situation. However, fantasy provides a mental landscape where they can envision themselves in a new career, doing something fulfilling. This mental rehearsal is often the first step toward real change. Without fantasy, the individual might never take that leap, because they can’t see it as a possibility.
In many ways, fantasy provides hope. It gives us the courage to face a difficult reality because we know there’s more to life than what is in front of us. We can endure hard times when we have something to look forward to, even if that something is a dream. Fantasy allows us to believe in a future that is better than the present, and it sustains us through the rough patches. It gives us a reason to keep going, a reason to try, even when everything feels insurmountable.
But fantasy is not just a form of escapism. It also serves as a tool for problem-solving and resilience. When faced with challenges in life, we often fantasize about different outcomes or approaches. This process of imagining different scenarios allows us to test possibilities without risking real-world failure. It’s in the fantasy realm that we find the courage to make choices and decisions. If you can imagine yourself succeeding or overcoming a challenge in your mind, you're much more likely to believe that it's possible in real life.
Moreover, fantasy reminds us that life is not just about survival but about thriving. It connects us to our deeper desires, our sense of wonder, and our ability to dream. While reality can be difficult, full of limitations and setbacks, fantasy reconnects us to the parts of ourselves that believe in more—more joy, more fulfillment, more love, more adventure. Fantasy allows us to taste these experiences, even if only in our minds, and that taste can be enough to keep us moving forward, striving to make some part of our imagined world a reality.
In summary, the idea that "we need fantasy to survive because reality is too difficult" suggests that fantasy is more than a mere escape—it is a necessary part of the human experience. It gives us the emotional and psychological space to cope with reality’s hardships while nurturing our hope and creativity. Through fantasy, we recharge our spirits, imagine new possibilities, and find the strength to continue despite life’s difficulties. Fantasy is not about avoiding reality, but about surviving and thriving within it.
Who said the quote?
The quote "We need fantasy to survive because reality is too difficult." is often attributed to Lady Gaga (Quotes). Lady Gaga is a boundary-pushing pop icon celebrated for her eccentric style and powerful performances.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
