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Advantage Quote by Louise J. Kaplan

“By directing our sentiments, passions, and reason toward the common human plight, imagination grants us the advantages of a moralexistence. What we surrender of innocent love of self is exchanged for the safeties and pleasures of belonging to a larger whole. We are born dependent, but only…” quote by Louise J. Kaplan
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“By directing our sentiments, passions, and reason toward the common human plight, imagination grants us the advantages of a moralexistence. What we surrender of innocent love of self is exchanged for the safeties and pleasures of belonging to a larger whole. We are born dependent, but only imagination can bind our passions to other human beings.”

Louise J. Kaplan

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of Imagination in Moral Existence, 1995

Imagination connects personal desire to collective good, turning self‑love into shared purpose and belonging.

In simple terms: Imagination lets us care for others beyond ourselves.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate imagination to build community.

Themes

morality imagination community dependence

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team projects
  • volunteer work
  • family relationships
  • creative collaborations

Key Concepts

collective identity ethical psychology human connection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can imagination be turned into concrete action?
  • What limits does self‑interest place on collective belonging?
A Different Perspective

Imagination alone cannot solve structural inequities.

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