Summary of Key Points
This article, although more of a cultural essay, analyzes the importance of "dreaming" and "exuberance" in human nature by comparing current lifestyles with those of the past. It argues that people today are trapped by an overly rational and calculative mindset, losing the ability to dream and the tolerance for uncontrolled emotions. Exuberance, on the other hand, is a true manifestation of humanity, and the golden age of culture was marked by the acceptance of this "irrationality." The author urges us to reclaim our ability to dream and allow ourselves to have a more vibrant, uncalculated part of life.
Detailed Interpretation
1. **Why can't we sleep when we're supposed to be awake?**
People today seem to be under too much pressure from rationality—algorithms on our phones, KPIs at work, and the constant need to make everything "sense." Even before bed, we wonder if we've wasted time. As the author says, in the past, we used to fall asleep easily, but now we toss and turn, unable to dream. Why? Because the "bright lights of rationality" keep us too awake. Humans need a peaceful, dreamlike state for relaxation, yet we spend our sleep thinking, like machines that never stop running—this leads to fatigue and insomnia. This kind of excessive wakefulness is unhealthy; it's not true intelligence but rather forcing ourselves to become emotionless calculators.
2. **Exuberance is not a mistake; it's human nature**
The author cites characters from old dramas like *Tokyo Love Story* and *Over the Edge* as examples of being "exuberant"—they deliberately cause trouble or refuse to separate when they could. Modern viewers might say, "I would have split up long ago," but they feel a sense of excitement because these behaviors reflect genuine human emotions. AI will never be exuberant; it will always act perfectly, but that kind of perfection is cold and impersonal. Humans, with their emotions, contradictions, and mistakes, are inherently imperfect. The author finds this relatable because we crave authenticity; we don't want to be perfect machines.
3. **The hallmark of a golden age of culture: tolerance for exuberance**
A golden age of culture is not when the economy is strongest but when people can tolerate irrationality. In the past, viewers understood and empathized with characters' emotions in old dramas. Today, we are too jaded and use rationality to judge everything, labeling such behavior as "illness" and fearing it ourselves, afraid of being seen as abnormal. This fear of exuberance is more harmful than exuberance itself. It's a sign that we've lost our ability to connect with our surroundings. Without this "irrationality," life becomes dull, like water without bubbles—tasteless.
4. **Reclaiming the ability to dream: the essential difference**
As an artist, the author believes that the real advantage today is not helping people become more rational but helping them regain the ability to dream. Dreaming means doing things that seem useless, such as daydreaming, painting, keeping a diary, or simply liking someone without knowing why. These activities may not be profitable or efficient, but they make us feel alive. AI can do all the calculations for us, but it cannot dream. The ability to dream and be exuberant is what sets us apart from AI. We urgently need this—allowing ourselves to have unproductive moments and the joy of having reasons we can't explain.
5. **The truth about life: don't pursue maximization**
The author learns from insomnia that life should not aim for perfection. Not everything needs to be done perfectly, and not all time must be used efficiently. Just as soldiers need rest and good nutrition, so do humans. Taking care of ourselves—getting enough sleep, eating well, and doing things we enjoy—is more important than anything else. If we collapse, even the most rational planning is useless. Don't push ourselves too hard; allowing some "irrationality" in our lives is true wisdom.
Conclusion
This article reminds us not to be enslaved by rationality and efficiency. Humans are not machines; we need to dream, to be exuberant, and to have things that seem pointless but prove we're alive. What we lack today is not knowledge but tolerance for humanity—towards ourselves and others. By reclaiming our ability to dream and embracing a bit of exuberance, life will become more meaningful.