"L'âme a des illusions comme l'oiseau a des ailes elle est soutenue par elles"

Let's break down the idea behind the quote: the soul, just like a bird, relies on its illusions for support. It means that our illusions, dreams, and hopes are what keep us going. They lift us up, giving us the strength and motivation to navigate through life.

Historically, this sentiment ties back to the Romantic era, when poets and philosophers emphasized the importance of imagination and the inner life. They believed that without these dreams and illusions, our spirits would falter. Now, think about it: why did they value illusions so much? Because in a world often filled with harsh realities, these illusions are what keep our spirits buoyant.

Consider a real-life example: an entrepreneur starting a new business. At the beginning, there are no guarantees. The market is unpredictable, the competition fierce. But what keeps the entrepreneur going? It's the vision—perhaps even an illusion—of success. This dream isn’t grounded in current reality, but it fuels the hard work, late nights, and relentless pursuit required to turn that vision into reality. Without this dream, the entrepreneur might give up at the first sign of trouble.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, embrace your dreams. Don’t be afraid to have them, even if they seem far-fetched. They’re not just fantasies; they’re the wings that can carry you through tough times. Second, recognize that while these dreams might start as illusions, they have the potential to become your reality. Use them as motivation, but stay grounded enough to take practical steps towards achieving them.

Let’s put this into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're an artist. You've always dreamed of having your work displayed in a famous gallery. Right now, you’re just starting out, working in a small studio, and selling pieces online. It’s easy to get discouraged, right? But that dream of the gallery—your 'illusion'—gives you something to strive for. You spend extra hours perfecting your craft, networking, and submitting your work to exhibitions. The illusion of gallery fame lifts you up, keeps you going.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a friend, sharing your frustrations about the slow progress. Your friend says, “Why don’t you just give up? It’s so hard to make it as an artist.” But you smile and respond, “I can’t. Every time I think about my work in that gallery, it’s like I have wings.” This isn’t just about stubbornness; it’s about being supported by your dream. Your friend might not get it, but you do. And that’s what matters.

The takeaway? Dream big. Let your illusions support you. They’re not lies you tell yourself—they’re the fuel that keeps you going. Even when things get tough, those visions of what could be will lift you up, helping you soar above the challenges. So next time someone tells you to be 'realistic,' just remember: every bird needs its wings. And every soul needs its dreams.