I enjoy the creative aspects of fantasy.
The more far-fetched the idea the better.
However I would not say that I dream to be a part of fantasy or dream that fantasy was a part of the way we live.
To me, fantasy is an idea. It's the ability to think of things that are beyond the outside of the box.
Thus why I tend to like a fairly steam-punk styled era of fantasy.
When I read the topic title I thought it said your thoughts on Final Fantasy..
A enjoyable read.
I find that fantasy used just for the sake of fantasy is not so good.
If an author decides to use fanatsy in his setting to better front his theme(s) then I think it's great. Like the Shannara(spelling?) books. I didn't really enjoy them a lot, but I think the fact that they are actually put in a post-apocalyptic future is pretty cool.
Same with the sword of truth series, which to me, are more like books on philosophy set in a fantasy land to make the philosophical aspects easier to reach and enjoy.
But fantasy made as something akin to fan-service, simply to humour people who are tired of our "boring reality" isn't something I can enjoy a lot.
So as I see it, there is fantasy books, and there are books in a fantasy setting.
But I agree with the claim in your text. I think fantasy/creativity, the ability to picture things outside of our own realm, is what makes us human, and is what makes humans interesting.
Hmm, before I begin, would you mind if this turned into a sort of debate/discussion? Because, while I think it was an okay essay... boy... Lets just say I've get a hell of a response. I don't really wanna derail your thread though without your permission.
So, for now, without going into detail, I'd like to say that books (especially fantasy) serve a far better purpose then simply escapism (Which is what you are talking about, ultimately).
It's inevitable that things will get us down in this world. While I'm mostly positive about our world, and love it (For the most part), there are times when you simply feel really and truly down (I can't think of a better word). Times when the world has simply tired you out and you want something to rejuvenate you. This is where all Art comes in, in my view, stories more than anything. They let you see people, like you, in another world, facing their own problems. It lets you explore possibilities, events, and emotions that would probably be impossible to you in your current life. In this way, stories play a very important part, I think, on our mental health. Without Art of some sort, I think we'll all eventually just burn out.
It's also why I think hero stories are the best. Depressing ones are kind of counter-productive, as far as I'm concerned.
My post and the theme of the thread was meant to be sort of a catalyst for a debate. No worries.
**** YEAH MIDDLE EARTH!
That's why all or rather most of the lyrics I write are fantasy-oriented.
Cause I love that shit!
I love fantasy, although i haven't read many fantasy books, the best by far being The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski.
I can imagine my world without any piece of fantasy in it. It was like the starter of all for me, learning english, programming, design, etc.
I like writing fantasy because it allows me total creative freedom on how I want to explore the ideas presented in my stories.
I like reading fantasy because ideas can be presented very clearly and a unique and creative way without the constraints of, y'know, reality.