A Path to Understanding Dreams: Observations on Ancient Chinese Dream Culture and Western Dream Theories

Abstract

Throughout history, dreams have been researchers’ major focus where their keen interest lies in. Analyzing the three historical development phrases of dream theories, namely Pre-Freudian, Freudian and Post-Freudian phrases, this paper aims to demonstrate the impacts of ancient Chinese dream culture on languages, characters, medicine, psychology, literature, politics, and economy. Classical modern dream theories proposed by Sigmund Freud, Ivan Pavlov, and other researchers are collected and analyzed to help people have a better understanding of dreams and their meanings. Furthermore, the paper fully and systematically interprets the dream-related culture and scientifically classifies dream theories and technologies to reinvigorate the dream research field in China and advocates to boost global cultural prosperity and development through cultural exchanges, mutual learning and peaceful coexistence among countries.