Before and after Quote by James Russell Lowell
“Imagination, where it is truly creative, is a faculty, and not a quality; it looks before and after, it gives the form that makes all the parts work together harmoniously toward a given end, its seat is in the higher reason, and it is efficient only as a servant of the will. Imagination, as it is too often misunderstood, is mere fantasy, the image-making power, common to all who have the gift of dreams.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Imagination" published in 1855
Imagination is a rational faculty that organizes ideas toward purposeful goals, distinct from idle fantasy, and serves the will.
In simple terms: Imagination organizes ideas purposefully, not just daydreaming.
Key Takeaway
Use imagination as a tool for purposeful creation.
Themes
creativity
reason
purpose
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- design
- problem solving
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
philosophy
cognitive psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate imagination from fantasy?
- In what ways can imagination serve your goals?
A Different Perspective
Imagination can be misused as escapism if not guided by intent.
![“[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own.” quote by James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/james-russell-lowell-561_books_b-ut-in-literature-it-should-be-remember_55085.jpg)
