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Ability Quote by Terry Pratchett

“Fantasy is escapism, but wait... Why is this wrong? What are you escaping from, and where are you escaping to? Is the story opening windows or slamming doors? The British author G.K. Chesterton summarized the role of fantasy very well. He said its purpose was to take the everyday, commonplace…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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“Fantasy is escapism, but wait... Why is this wrong? What are you escaping from, and where are you escaping to? Is the story opening windows or slamming doors? The British author G.K. Chesterton summarized the role of fantasy very well. He said its purpose was to take the everyday, commonplace world and lift it up and turn it around and show it to us from a different perspective, so that once again we see it for the first time and realize how marvelous it is. Fantasy - the ability to envisage the world in many different ways - is one of the skills that make us human.”

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of Fantasy, G.K. Chesterton, 1902

Fantasy reframes reality, revealing hidden wonder and prompting fresh perspectives on everyday life.

In simple terms: Fantasy shows the familiar in new ways.

Key Takeaway

Seek new viewpoints to appreciate the ordinary.

Themes

imagination perspective humanity

Mood

curious inspired

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • reading
  • writing
  • problem solving
  • education

Key Concepts

cognitive flexibility creative thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does fantasy change your view of daily life?
  • What limits does imagination face?
A Different Perspective

May overlook practical concerns when overly idealizing.

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