“Life is something that happens when you can’t get to sleep”- F. Lebowitz

Lebowitz’s statement relates to the reality (‘life’) that confronts the individual or society when it cannot have recourse to anything else (‘sleep’). Society and individuals ‘sleep’ when they blame others or external situations, are distracted by material obligations or ambitions and when they ignore the common world that is shared with humanity. However, reality or life is not simply the result of not being distracted. Indeed, such distractions are a part of life that contributes to the growth of the individual or society. On another level, Lebowitz could be asserting that in some way, the soporific state, sleep, is in some way superior to the hard reality of life and when we cannot sleep, we are force to face it. In a broader sense, life may be seen as a continual process in which slep is of universal benefit.

The distractions available to Western society are numerous. Mp3 players, gambling, leisure time, the internet and the like all provide escapes from the obligations or responsibilities we may face in life. Perhaps the beneficial nature of these diversions lies in the opportunity to find oneself. The time one may have to reflect on prior events or mistakes can be a vital time in growth and maturity. However, excessive ‘tuning out’ especially in young people is concerning parents and experts who worry that some people are addicted to leisure devise., such that they are totally out of touch with reality. In another sense, one’s willingness to direct blame at others or situations may lead to stagnations in personal growth or career choices. This perspective is a little narrow for the essence of Nachman’s statement, and can be viewed as having deeper insight.

Life and therefore time passes inexorably such that every thought, experience or action is constantly modifying one’s outlook and the ability to realise one’s potential. The growth potential in distractions may well appear later in life when one have the chance to reflect. What is important here is that individual s and society create their own destiny and realities which relates to that old adage of one reaping what one sews. To extend this metaphor of sewing further, the fruit of what one sews can be re-interred to produce even more fruit. Hence, society and individuals are continually impacted upon by their past choices. The notion of the ANZAC is revered in the Australian psyche, for example, such that it is an irrevocable part of the Australian identity that has a self-perpetuating legend. Hence, the result of our actions in any event, whether in ‘sleep’ or fulfilling our responsibility contribute to who one becomes.

Sleep is not superior to life but its importance for life is an interesting and widely studied event. Once is refreshed and renewed and without it, one would ides. People often are amazed that dictators who perpetrate terrible crimes can sleep and know nothing for brief periods. It is therefore clear that sleep has its place in life that is often wondered at.

To conclude, the diversions from reality are not an absence of reality or life, but a choice in creating one’s destiny. Therefore, ‘sleep’ is important on a physiological level as well as one of destiny.

PS

This one kinda died in the arse right at the end, rambling factor quite high!