The armored cars of dreams, contrived to let us do so many a

In the evocative words of Elizabeth Bishop, "The armored cars of dreams, contrived to let us do so many a dangerous thing," we are invited to explore the dual nature of dreams—those powerful visions of the future and the self, which can both protect and embolden us. Bishop's choice of the metaphor of the armored car speaks to how our dreams can shield us from the harshness of reality, offering protection as we venture out into the world. Yet, in that same protection, dreams also provide us the strength to undertake risky and dangerous endeavors, allowing us to take bold actions that we might otherwise shy away from. In this way, dreams act as both shield and sword, offering us the courage to confront the unknown while preserving our sense of self and hope.

This dual nature of dreams—as both a protective force and a catalyst for action—echoes the teachings of the ancient philosophers. In Plato’s Republic, the philosopher-king is not one who is devoid of ambition, but one who is guided by an ideal vision of a just society. The dream of the ideal state gives the ruler both purpose and protection as they navigate the challenges of governance. Yet, as Plato’s allegory of the cave demonstrates, the journey toward truth and enlightenment is a perilous one—requiring not only the protection of wisdom but the willingness to confront the unknown. Similarly, Bishop’s imagery suggests that dreams are not just escapist fantasies but powerful tools that equip us to take on the greatest challenges in life.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose dreams of scientific discovery and artistic mastery were protected by his intellectual curiosity and personal drive. His dreams, like the armored car, provided him with the resilience needed to venture into the dangerous realms of both art and invention, fields that were, at the time, full of uncertainty and risk. Da Vinci’s sketches of flying machines, water systems, and human anatomy were not mere flights of fancy, but the product of vision and courage. His dreams gave him the protection he needed to explore ideas that others deemed impractical or even impossible. They allowed him to take risks, to push the boundaries of knowledge and art, creating works that have withstood the test of time.

In our own lives, the dreams we hold can serve the same purpose. They act as armored cars, giving us the protection to pursue goals that might otherwise seem unattainable. Rosa Parks, whose quiet act of defiance on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, was driven by a deep dream of equality and justice. Her courage was born from a belief in a better world, a dream that protected her against the fear of retribution and the dangers of standing up to a powerful system of segregation. Like the armored car, her dreams provided a shield against the forces that sought to suppress her, while also giving her the strength to act when the moment of opportunity arrived.

Yet, Bishop’s quote also warns of the dangerous side of dreams—the potential for them to lead us down paths that might, at times, be reckless or fraught with peril. Dreams that are not grounded in reality can sometimes drive us toward foolhardy actions or cloud our judgment. This is a theme explored by the ancients, especially in the myth of Icarus, who, driven by the dream of flight and defiance of his father’s caution, soared too close to the sun. His dream of freedom and greatness ultimately led to his downfall. The lesson is clear: while dreams can empower us, they must also be tempered with wisdom and self-awareness. Without the grounding influence of reason and careful thought, the dreams that protect us can also lead us to destruction.

The lesson of Bishop’s quote is one of balance. Dreams are essential to the human spirit—they provide us with a vision of a future better than the present, pushing us to overcome adversity and act courageously in the face of challenge. But we must not forget that dreams, while empowering, are most effective when they are coupled with wisdom and discernment. Just as an armored car provides protection against the dangers of the road while still allowing us to move forward, dreams should shield us from doubt and fear, but they must also be guided by reason and a clear sense of purpose.

In practical terms, we must approach our dreams with both passion and prudence. We must harness the protection they offer—using them to guide us through uncertainty—but we must also remain grounded in reality, understanding that dreams must be pursued with a clear plan and a careful eye on the risks involved. Like da Vinci or Rosa Parks, we can use our dreams as tools for transformation, but only if we take the time to evaluate them and use them wisely. By balancing the courage to dream with the wisdom to act, we can ensure that our dreams remain powerful forces for good in our lives and in the world.