"La realidad es mejor que los sueños."
/lah rreh-ah-lee-DAHD es meh-HOR keh lohs SWEH-nyohs/
Reality is better than dreams.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"La realidad es mejor que los sueños."
🎨 Visual Representation
Buñuel's quote champions the richness of real life over the illusions of dreams.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
This quote is from the final film of the Spanish surrealist director Luis Buñuel, 'That Obscure Object of Desire' ('Cet obscur objet du désir,' 1977). It is spoken by the protagonist, Mathieu, and reflects Buñuel's own complex and evolving relationship with reality and the subconscious.
📝 In Action
Dejé de idealizar el futuro y empecé a disfrutar el presente. Como decía Buñuel, al final, la realidad es mejor que los sueños.
B2I stopped idealizing the future and started enjoying the present. As Buñuel said, in the end, reality is better than dreams.
Este viaje ha superado todas mis expectativas. Es verdad lo que dicen: la realidad es mejor que los sueños.
B1This trip has exceeded all my expectations. It's true what they say: reality is better than dreams.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This quote comes from Luis Buñuel's final film in 1977. Buñuel was a founding father of the Surrealist movement in the 1920s, which celebrated dreams and the subconscious. For him to end his career with this line is fascinating. It shows his evolution as an artist, suggesting that after a lifetime exploring fantasy, he found reality to be the most profound and surprising subject of all.
🌍 Cultural Significance
The quote serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the romantic idea of escaping into daydreams. In a world often focused on fantasy and virtual worlds, it has become a modern reminder to find value and beauty in the here and now. It encourages an appreciation for authenticity over idealized illusions.
📚 Literary Analysis
The power of this quote lies in its direct simplicity. It's an aphorism—a concise, memorable statement of a general truth. By directly contrasting 'realidad' and 'sueños', it forces a choice. Coming from a master surrealist, the line is loaded with irony, suggesting that perhaps the greatest surrealism is found not in dreams, but in the strange, unpredictable nature of everyday life.
⭐ Usage Tips
Embracing the Present
Use this quote to express gratitude for a moment when real life turns out to be more wonderful than you could have imagined. It's perfect for encouraging someone (or yourself) to appreciate the present instead of dwelling on 'what ifs'.
Add an Intellectual Layer
Mentioning that this quote is from the surrealist director Luis Buñuel adds a fantastic layer of depth. It shows you not only know the phrase but also the fascinating, ironic context behind it.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: La realidad es mejor que los sueños.
Question 1 of 2
Who is the famous director associated with the quote 'La realidad es mejor que los sueños'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ironic that a surrealist director would say 'reality is better than dreams'?
Yes, and that's what makes the quote so powerful. After a career dedicated to exploring the subconscious, Buñuel's final message seems to be that reality itself is the most surreal, unpredictable, and ultimately worthwhile subject. It's seen as a profound final statement from the master.
When is a good time to use this quote?
It's perfect for moments of unexpected joy or deep contentment with your current life. For example, after a wonderful day with friends or on a beautiful trip, you might say it to express how the real experience surpassed any expectation you had.