Companion Quote by Fanny Burney
“Imagination took the reins, and reason, slow-paced, though sure-footed, was unequal to a race with so eccentric and flighty a companion.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina, 1778, by Fanny Burney
Imagination runs wild and untamed, while reason moves slowly but steadily, unable to keep pace with its eccentric companion.
In simple terms: Imagination outruns reason.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate both imagination and reason.
Themes
creativity
reason
balance
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing
- problem solving
- artistic pursuits
Key Concepts
Literary imagination
cognitive tension
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reason support imagination?
- When does imagination hinder reason?
A Different Perspective
The phrasing may suggest reason is inferior, which could be contested.
![“I never pretend to be so superior a being as to be above having and indulging a hobby horse [her journal writing], and while I keep mine within due bounds and limits, nobody, I flatter myself, would wish to deprive me of the poor animal: to be sure, he is not formed for labour, and is rather lame…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/fanny-burney-7403_animal_i-never-pretend-to-be-so-superior-a-bein_485407.jpg)
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
![“[A cat] will make itself the companion of your hours of work, of loneliness, or of sadness.” quote by Theophile Gautier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3d/theophile-gautier-7224_cat_a-cat-will-make-itself-the-companion-of_34315.jpg)