You grew up, became a man, had to adjust to taking less than you hoped for; you discovered the dream-machine had a big OUT OF ORDER sign on it.
In the process of growing up, one inevitably faces the challenge of adjusting to reality, often realizing that life doesn't fulfill all our expectations. The journey of maturation can be disheartening as dreams may seem unattainable, highlighting the disappointment of unfulfilled aspirations.
This sentiment is poignantly expressed in Stephen King's "Dreamcatcher," where the metaphor of a malfunctioning dream-machine symbolizes the struggles one faces in navigating adulthood. Ultimately, it reinforces the idea that acceptance of life's limitations is a crucial aspect of personal growth.
