Imagine Quote by Alison Gopnik
“Because we imagine, we can have invention and technology. It's actually play, not necessity, that is the mother of invention.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Power of Imagination” on NPR, 2018
Imagination fuels invention; playfulness drives technological progress more than necessity.
In simple terms: Play fuels invention.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate playful curiosity.
Themes
creativity
technology
playfulness
Mood
optimistic
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education design
- R&D brainstorming
- product design
Key Concepts
innovation theory
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can play be directed toward goals?
- When does necessity override play?
A Different Perspective
Play without purpose may waste resources.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)