Adults Quote by Patricia A. McKillip
“Research the imagination. It was as obsolete as the appendix in most adults, except for those in whom, like the appendix, it became inflamed for no reason.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath” (inspired by Lovecraft) by Patricia A. McKillip, 1995
Imagination is often dismissed as useless, yet it can flare up irrationally, causing unnecessary distress.
In simple terms: Imagination seems useless but can flare up unexpectedly.
Key Takeaway
Value imagination even when it feels irrational.
Themes
creativity
psychology
human nature
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- adult education
- creative writing
- mental health therapy
- innovation workshops
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you nurture imagination despite practical pressures?
- What benefits arise when you let imagination guide decisions?
A Different Perspective
Imagination can be suppressed by societal expectations, limiting growth.
![“In the appendix to my History of the Russian Revolution I give a detailed and documented study of the ideas of the Bolshevik party on the October revolution. This study, I hope, will make it impossible in the future to ascribe to [Vladimir] Lenin the theory of Socialism in a single country.” quote by Leon Trotsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/374/leon-trotsky-2558_appendix_in-the-appendix-to-my-history-of-the-rus_363447.jpg)
![“[Imagination] must be visited constantly, or else it begins to become restless and emit strange bellows at embarrassing moments; ignoring it only makes it grow larger and noisier.” quote by Patricia A. McKillip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/12e/patricia-a-mckillip-5203_constantly_imagination-must-be-visited-constantly-o_192968.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
