"الخيال هو هروب، وهذه هي عظمته. إذا كان جنديٌّ مسجونًا من قبل العدو، ألا نعتبر أن من واجبه الهروب؟"

Fantasy is a release from reality, and that's what makes it so wonderful. Imagine a soldier captured in wartime—it's his duty to escape, right? Similarly, for us stuck in the routine, fantasy offers an escape hatch. It’s not just about running away; it's about finding a moment to breathe, to dream, and to envision possibilities beyond the mundane.

Think about the time when this idea became particularly relevant. J.R.R. Tolkien, the author behind this quote, lived through World War II. A tumultuous time when the world was drowning in chaos and despair. People needed an escape more than ever. Tolkien gave them that with his works, like "The Lord of the Rings." He offered a world filled with adventure, magic, and hope. When reality gets too heavy, diving into a good fantasy story can be a lifeline.

Picture this: you've had a grueling day at work. Meetings back-to-back, a mountain of emails, and there's that ever-looming project deadline. You come home, kick off your shoes, and grab your favorite fantasy novel. As you turn the pages, you're no longer in your cramped apartment—you’re in a sprawling kingdom, embarking on a quest with heroes and mythical creatures. That’s not just escapism; it’s rejuvenation. Your mind gets a break, and you return to your reality a little less burdened, a bit more hopeful.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? It’s simple—make time for your escape. Whether it’s diving into a book, playing a video game, or even daydreaming. Carve out a slice of your day dedicated to stepping into another world. Don't think of it as shirking responsibilities; see it as recharging your batteries.

Here’s a story for you. Imagine Sarah, a 35-year-old single mom, juggling two jobs and raising her kids. Life’s a constant hustle. One day, she stumbles upon an old fantasy novel she loved as a teenager. She starts reading a bit each night after the kids are asleep. Those moments become her sanctuary. Through dragons, wizards, and epic battles, she finds her strength renewed. She can face the real-world challenges with a bit more zest because she’s had her nightly escape.

We all need that, don’t we? A little pocket of fantasy where the ordinary rules don’t apply, and we can be anyone, do anything. It’s not about abandoning reality but rather finding a way to cope with its pressures. So, grab that book, watch that movie, let your imagination soar. Because sometimes, a little escapism is exactly what we need to keep going.