A DREAM DOESN’T EXIST UNLESS IT IS PUT INTO PRACTICE

  

Joshua Peliño BA-Philosophy 4

Modern Asian Thoughts

 

A DREAM DOESN’T EXIST UNLESS IT IS PUT INTO PRACTICE

 

We are bound to act on what we want, and we are also bound to do the things that are known to us. However, those things that are new to us require practice. We cannot learn everything in a day; it is a gradual process in which we learn step by step.

Yang Ming said, “A dream doesn’t exist unless it is put into practice.” He conveys that we should pursue things that are initially unknowable to us. For example, if you have the desire to learn music but do nothing, the motivation to act and practice must come from within ourselves. Everything can be learned through practice; it is not just about learning in a day or within a specific timeframe, but it requires courage, perseverance, and consistent effort. Our dreams must be turned into reality, but they mean nothing if we believe they are too hard to achieve. Our abilities far exceed those of animals; humans can learn much faster than non-human creatures. Dreams must be realized through effort in any work, job, or talent we aspire to.

A dream doesn’t mean much unless we actually act on it. This idea highlights how important it is to take steps to turn our wishes into reality. Dreams can motivate us and guide us, but if we don’t commit to making them happen, they just stay as fantasies. We can’t just wish for success; we need to set goals, make plans, and put in the effort to achieve our dreams. This journey often involves facing challenges and staying motivated, but the rewards for sticking with it can be huge.

Practice is not a one-time effort; it is a gradual process. This gradual approach to learning is crucial because it involves self-motivation and resilience. For example, in my experience, learning the piano is challenging, but as I commit to daily practice and explore new techniques and styles each night, I improve. The journey can be difficult due to boredom and laziness, but if you have motivation—like my desire to play at mass—you can overcome those challenges.

Each of us has our own definition of dreams and how we draw them into reality. Some dreams may seem idealistic, such as going to the moon, winning the lottery, or becoming president. In contrast, practical dreams, such as helping your parents, learning an instrument, or passing your classes, are achievable. Regardless of our dreams, we must act on them and practice in order to attain them.