To say that a thing is imaginary is not to dispose of it…
“To say that a thing is imaginary is not to dispose of it in the realm of mind, for the imagination, or the image making faculty, is a very important part of our mental functioning. An image formed by the imagination is a reality from the point of view of psychology; it is quite true that it has no physical existence, but are we going to limit reality to that which is material? We shall be far out of our reckoning if we do, for mental images are potent things, and although they do not actually exist on the physical plane, they influence it far more than most people suspect.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Imagination creates mental images that act as psychological realities, influencing behavior despite lacking physical form.
In simple terms: Imagined images affect us even if they aren't physical.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and harness mental images.
Themes
psychology
imagination
reality
influence
Mood
reflective
insightful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative problem solving
- personal motivation
- therapy
- design thinking
Key Concepts
mental imagery
psychological reality
cognitive impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your mental images shape your decisions?
- Can imagined scenarios be misleading?
A Different Perspective
Physical evidence is not required for impact, but overreliance may blur objective assessment.