In the Queen Mab speech Mercutio tells Romeo not to follow his dreams. He warns him that “dreamers often lie” and that following dreams leads people down the wrong path. He gives examples of church officials being corrupted by dreams of wealth, of maids getting infections or becoming pregnant by following dreams of love, and of soldiers getting killed when pursuing dreams of battlefield glory. Is Mercutio right? As teenagers of today you are often told to “follow your dreams,” but is there a negative side to that? Is teaching young people to follow their dreams really a good idea, or is it bound to result in disappointment and suffering?
Should you follow your dreams? Not really. If you follow your dreams to become a pro basketball player, and you stand at 5'6" you'll probably go into debt and die of starvation and poverty, because you can't afford to feed your family. If you're reasonable about your expectations, then it's fine. Pick a job you can live off of, with a backup.
ReplyDeleteI disagree. You should follow your dreams, but logically. In this world, if you really want to do something you can! You just have to be willing to put in the work. Don't just expect it to happen and if it doesn't work out find something else you are passionate about.
DeleteI agree with 67352 I think you should follow your dream but make sure you have a plan or something first and not just try and go for it on the loose. Because with a plan you have some sort of guidance in you life that can really help and liek they said if it doesn't work out find something that will and you will be successful at. But a plan with be very helpful meaning you plan what you think will be needed and help with always be there but you also need to work at your dream if you are really trying to achieve it because if you don't want to work than maybe its not really your true dream its just an idea. But work and a plan are 2 big factors in achieving your dream but I think following is possible.
DeleteI agree with 67352 and 66896, I think you should definitely fallow your dreams, but with logic. Like for me I'm not about to go pursue singing cause I can't sing. But If you truly love something and you want to work hard at it go for it. I mean the worst that could happen is you fail a couple times and then get right back up. But make sure to have a plan for how you are going to do this and always have a back up plan just in case.
DeleteI agree, if you want your dream more than anything, don't settle until you have it. But it for whatever reason you don't quite reach it, or you are stopped by obstacles. You'll find a new dream, and you can apply principles you gained from your previous dream to your new one. And you should always appreciate that dream or part of your life for what it is, because it helped you find your new dream.
DeleteI agree to an extent, nothing is impossible. The amount you put in will be reciprocated in the results. However, this world is often unfair and no matter what you do people will stomp on your dreams. Giving up on your dreams seems much easier when you're at a disadvantage, but if you really want something, and you give it your all, it will come.
DeleteI can see where you're ideas are coming from, however I think that life's too short to live a boring life sitting in an office all day staring at a screen wishing you were somewhere else. If you'd rather live a stable life with an office job, then you should do that. On the other hand, if you want to be a pro basketball player, then you should put your all into it and do you're best to be the best you can to achieve your dream. Personally, I don't want to be 80 years old and looking back on my life and regretting not following my dreams and passions, but I do understand how many people want to live a regular life with a job and family, and to each their own.
DeleteI see where you are coming from, but just because it is unlikely that you will ever become pro does not mean you should give up. Maybe you find a league through your work or make some friends who like to play and play games on Saturday. You should want to become a pro basketball player because you love the game not because you think it will get you fame. So as long as you are playing the game is all that matters. It might not be your dream but it will make you happy.
DeleteFirst, I believe anyone of any height, with skill can be in the NBA and make a living. Second, it is important to always have a back up plan. That is what matters. Not a "silly" dream. You can have a dream and a backup plan and be successful.
DeleteI think you should always follow your dreams. If you want to be an actor that is a very competitive field and just because it is super unrealistic that you become super famous does not mean you should stop auditioning. During the period of which you are not making money off this dream you should have another job or a way to support yourself. It is like school just because you love math and want to choose that as your career does not mean you should stop taking English. I think the only problem with following your dreams is when it consumes you and you can't do anything else.
ReplyDeleteI agree, dreams should be something you work towards and have to struggle for a little bit but they should not be all consuming because then you'll be so consumed by day-dreaming that you'll never reach your dream for real.
DeleteI agree because not following a dream of some kind means you're preparing for nothing. When following a dream, if you really want it, more than anything, don't settle until you have it. And if for whatever reason you don't quite reach it or are stopped by obstacles, you might find a new dream or your dream might change. And you can apply whatever principles or skills you gained from your previous dream to your new dream in any way you can.(e.g. self-discipline, determination). But you should always appreciate that dream or phase of your life for what it is.
DeleteI agree. You will be extremely busy shuffling auditions and your other job but it is a smart and strategic move! Going after your dreams is important because if you get a job you absolutely despise and you're working 40 hours a week, you're not going to be happy! And at some point, that is a big part of life is wanting to be happy.
DeleteI agree, I think that your dream should be something you work so, so hard for, but I also think that sometimes dreams change, and you need to be flexible. Sometimes things happen in your life that totally change everything- and if all you've worked for in you life is one ideal, and it changes, you may not be willing to let it go, and keep holding on, even if it doesn't bring you the joy it used to.
DeleteI agree. With hard work and dedication anything is possible. It is important to note that dreams can lead to failure but so what, that is life and more fuel to accomplish your dream or another one. One must remember though that the bigger the dream the harder they need to work at it.
DeleteI agree. It is great to be able to follow your dreams, but very important to also be able to take care of yourself. If your dream doesn't provide income it doesn't mean you should be homeless just to follow your dream. You can follow your dream but you also need to be realistic with doing what is necessary too as you said.
DeleteI think that people should definitely follow their dreams. Who is to say what you can and can't be or can and can't do? With enough hard work and dedication to follow that dream, you will surely accomplish it. You cannot want to become doctor and not work hard to follow that dream. If you are willing to put in the time and the effort to become what you want to be in life then follow your dreams and know what you want in life.
ReplyDeleteI agree. But, you have to have a safety net to fall back if and when things backfire. You cannot put all of your eggs in one basket. You should go for what you want to do, but you should have something more realistic waiting for you. Not only that, injuries, money, and availability all play into the chances of you succeeding in your dreams. I have a friend who is a sophomore at Julliard this year, which is his dream, but he recently tore his ACL and they aren't sure whether he will fully recover yet. It's a good thing he has a back up with singing, or else he would be out of luck.
DeleteI totally agree with you. For example, many people say they have a dream of being a doctor, but barely put in much work to get there and are disappointed they aren't doctors when they're older. If you really want something, you have to work hard for it to get there. Even if you fail a couple times, that just means you have to work even harder next time. When you work really hard to acheive that dream or goal, it makes the end even better when you finally acheive it.
Delete@ms67271 I see what you're saying and I agree with you. I do believe that you should definitely have a back up plan if your first plan backfires on you. I get that there are injuries, money issues, and the chances of actually succeeding your dream that you have to think about. I think that when you are deciding what you want to be for the majority of your life, you should really plan it out.
Delete@67070 Yes! That's something that I feel like happens a lot to people. They want to become something that they could become but, if they don't put enough effort and hard work into it, they're disappointed.
DeleteAgreed. Yous should always have a plan if you want to attain a dream. You can be successful in achieving your dreams if you don't. As you said if you want to be a doctor you have to put in the work. I agree you can do and be whatever you want.
DeleteLike the majority of people responding to this post, I also believe in following your dreams. You shouldn't, however, rely too heavily on that dream or pursue it rashly.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, there is a fine line between dreams and goals. It is perfectly fine to let yourself dream big, inconceivable things that may never come to fruition as long as you understand that dream can never be reality. Dreaming is an indicator of an active imagination and can often be a source of outstanding creativity (that may be applicable in your life). Goals, on the other hand, may be based on your dreams, but are realistic and can be achieved through effort. If you focus entirely on an unattainable dream, your expectations will likely be crushed if (or when, depending on the dream) you fail. If that dream was your only incentive/purpose, you may be crushed and not able to recover.
I would say always set realistic standards for yourself, but if it weren't for some outlandish and seemingly impossible dream, who's to say we would have airplanes or computers or some invention that has changed the course of the world? Overall, I think it is important to dream big and maybe attempt to achieve that dream, but don't have very high expectations for success or stake your life on the outcome.
Just another thought, how different are the dreams we experience during sleep (fantasies of our minds) compared to the dreams we strive for (our aspirations)?
I agree. You should always try to follow your dreams, just make sure you know your limits. Some things are just not possible. That's the truth of this world, but that doesn't mean you should stop trying. Just make your dreams realistic.
DeleteI agree with you when you say some dreams aren't achievable and that goals are more realistic. There is not a fine line between dreams and goals, they are similar to each other. Goals can be are more realistic, safe, and accomplishable; dreams can be very simple and realistic, they are also ideals, and they can seem impossible. There are many negatives to dreaming too big and letting it control your life however it can also be hope and motivation in life.
DeleteIt looks like no one responded to that last question, but in the other class they had a whole thread about dreams (at night) vs. dreams of the future. I think it's interesting because Romeo is talking about dreams (at night) but Mercutio seems to be blending the two ideas. I do a whole thing in AP Lang about the movie Inception and the idea of dreams vs reality so it got me thinking. Personally I think they are the same thing, except that one comes from your conscious mind (daydreams) and the other from your subconscious mind.
DeleteIf a dream is well structured, you got a plan, and you know how you're going to do something, you will have a decent chance of succeeding. But not everyone makes it and you have to look at that possibility realistically. If you do fail, flexibility, well roundedness and having an open mind make it a lot easier to change courses and not be stuck with your circumstances. I would say do it if you have the effort, the motivation and know you realistically got a chance. But know you have other options and not everything in the world is straight set or fair.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Joachim, If you have a plan and you are ready to try it out and do your best, go for it! And I also agree with the fact that you might be taking a risk by following your dreams. But honestly I think there are tons of people on this planet who are willing to take that risk and it is brave. But without taking risks you will stay in your comfort zone and where are you going to get if you say there? Without dreams what would we be looking forward to?
DeleteYou right. Life wouldn't be interesting without trying stuff
DeleteI agree with Joachim that if you have a concrete plan in mind then by all means try to reach your goal. I also agree with you need to look at your dream realistically. I also agree with Kate that trying to reach you goals adds adventure to life and without that adventure life would be pretty boring.
DeleteI agree. You should have a plan set if you want to achieve it. I also agree that if you don't have a plan it is more improbable that you won't achieve it, however, there is always a chance.
DeleteI feel that you should follow your dreams but dreamers often get blinded by the end goal and don't see what is happening along the way. I also think that you can't rely on obtaining your dream because life is unpredictable and you don't always know what will happen. I think that dreamers focus too harshly on their one goal and don't pay as much attention to other goals they have set.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If you spend too much time on your dream you won't be able to reach other goals that are necessary for a good life. It is good to be a bit of a dream though.
DeleteI think Mercutio needs to realize that success is built off of failure, so people should always follow their dreams. Will they always come true..no! But they will better prepare you for next time. Mercutio is very wrong and of course there is a negative side to following your dreams, there is to everything. I think people should focus on the positive more than the negative. Following your dreams is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you I think that following a dream entails sacrifice and trials and maybe some down sides but if its what you want then you should go for it and the trails you face will help you to continue further with your dreams.
DeleteI agree, however, I don't thing Mercutio is totally wrong though. If a dream is not attainable then you shouldn't continue to try to achieve it.
DeleteThere can be a bad side to having a dream and following it. It depends on what dream you have. For example if you want to take over the world then that could be bad. On the other hand if you wanted to go to college and say become an engineer and be a productive part of society that would be good.
ReplyDeleteI think teaching young people to follow their dreams is a good thing. Having a goal in mind and encouragement to do whatever you want to in life can be motivating and get you to your goal or your dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree. There can be failure when going after a dream, but if you work hard you can achieve it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's okay to teach young people to follow their dreams as long as they are also taught what it takes in order to achieve these goals. In example, you can't tell a kid to strive to become a doctor unless you also teach them how to have a good work ethic and how to prioritize school above other things, so that they can obtain the grades to get into med school. The thing that leads to disappointment and suffering is not people chasing their dreams, it's people not being reasonable about what they have to do in order to get there. Where we live, anyone is supposed to be able to achieve anything no matter where they come from, and I like to believe that that is true, but it doesn't mean that this is hard to do. You have to have reasonable expectations, patience, and drive in order to reach your goals, otherwise you're doomed from the start.
ReplyDeleteI partially agree, there's always a possibility of failure whenever you take a risk, but I think that there are also ways to avoid it by planning ahead and being reasonable with your expectations. I also think that you can be considerate of other people's thoughts while following your own dream.
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