Human imagination Quote by Walter Prescott Webb
““It would be very interesting to speculate on what the human imagination is going to do with a frontierless world where it must seek its inspiration in uniformity rather than variety, in sameness rather than contrast, in safety rather than peril, in probing the harmless nuances of the known rather than the thundering uncertainties of unknown seas or continents. The dreamers, the poets, and the philosophers are after all but instruments which make vocal and articulate the hopes and aspirations and the fears of a people. The people are going to miss the frontier more than words can express. For four centuries they heard its call, listened to its promises, and bet their lives and fortunes on its outcome. It calls no more...””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Frontier, 1962
A world without frontiers forces imagination into uniformity, stifling daring and wonder.
In simple terms: Loss of frontiers limits imagination.
Key Takeaway
Seek new challenges to inspire creativity.
Themes
philosophy
exploration
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
speculative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- innovation policy
- education curricula
- personal growth
Key Concepts
human imagination
risk vs safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How does frontier loss affect society?
- What new frontiers can we create?
A Different Perspective
Some argue stability can also foster innovation.
