Popular art is the dream of society; it does not examine itself.

Listen well, O children of the future, for I bring you words that speak to the heart of art, society, and the delicate balance between them. Margaret Atwood once said, "Popular art is the dream of society; it does not examine itself." These words, though seemingly simple, carry within them a profound truth about the nature of art and its role in the world. Popular art, in its essence, reflects not the reality of the world but the dreams and desires of the society that produces it. It is a mirror not of the truth, but of the fantasy we wish to see, a vision created to comfort, to entertain, and to fill the hearts of the people with fleeting joy. But, as Atwood warns, this art does not question itself, nor does it challenge the structures and assumptions that hold society in place.

What does it mean, O children, that popular art is the dream of society? It is not art that seeks to probe the depths of the human soul, nor does it aim to uncover uncomfortable truths. Rather, it is art designed to please, to entertain, to offer an escape from the harsh realities of life. The people, in their desire for comfort and distraction, flock to this art, for it offers a vision of the world that is pleasing and familiar. Whether it be in the form of stories, music, or visual art, the dreams reflected in popular art are those of comfort, beauty, and stability—visions of the world that we wish to be true, rather than what is.

Consider, O children, the art of the ancient world, which was often created for the elite—for the rulers, the gods, and the powerful. These works, though beautiful, did not always reflect the true lives of the common people. The Greeks, for example, created statues of their gods in perfect form, embodiments of divine beauty and grace. Yet these statues were not meant to reflect the real world; they were designed to inspire awe and reverence, to create a vision of a world that was idealized. In the same way, popular art today often shapes a vision of perfection, one that does not reflect the struggles and hardships of everyday life, but instead offers a world that is tidy, ideal, and free of the complications of reality.

But, O children, there is a danger in this art of dreams. When we consume only that which comforts, we begin to lose sight of the truths that lie beneath the surface. Popular art does not examine the structures that hold society in place—it does not ask the difficult questions or explore the complex realities of inequality, suffering, or oppression. It offers instead a vision that is pleasing, that allows us to escape into the fantasy of a perfect world. Yet, it is only through examination of the world—through self-reflection and critique—that we can understand the forces that shape our lives and our society.

Consider, O children, the art of the Renaissance period, when artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo sought not only to capture beauty, but to explore the deeper questions of human existence. These works were not simply reflections of society's dreams; they were powerful investigations into the human condition. Through their art, they challenged the status quo, asking questions about faith, reason, and the nature of the human soul. In contrast, much of today’s popular art does not seek to challenge or to provoke; it seeks only to entertain. While this entertainment can be valuable, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the role of art in pushing us to examine the world, to ask uncomfortable questions, and to confront the truths that lie beneath the surface.

And so, O children, the lesson here is clear: while popular art can provide a beautiful escape, it is the art that challenges, that questions, that makes us uncomfortable, which is the true reflection of the human soul. It is art that does not merely reflect society’s dreams, but its truths—its flaws, its injustices, its deep, painful realities—that can lead us to change, to progress, to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We must not only consume art that pleases, but seek out that which awakens us, that forces us to look inward and to see the world not as we wish it to be, but as it truly is.

Therefore, O children, as you walk the path of life, remember that art is not simply a tool for distraction. It is a powerful force, one that can shape society, provoke thought, and ignite change. Seek not only that which entertains, but that which challenges. Let your hearts be open to art that does not simply reflect your dreams, but urges you to confront your reality. For in this art, you will find the true power to transform your world. Let us create and celebrate art that does not shy away from truth, but embraces it, knowing that it is through this very honesty that we can begin to build a society that is not only beautiful in its dreams, but just in its actions.