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About this quote

What does it mean?
Imagination is not a special gift for a few but a fundamental requirement for human well-being.
In plain terms
Everyone needs imagination to be healthy, not just some talented people.
What can you take from it?
Nurture imagination as a basic human need.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • education
  • therapy

Putting it to work

  • encourage creative play
  • support arts programs

Questions to consider

  • Is imagination essential for survival?
  • How do we measure mental health?

Another view

It overlooks those with cognitive impairments that limit imagination.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. Alcohol, hashish, prussic acid, strychnine are weak dilutions. The surest poison is time.

    Permalink to quote #259
  2. Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy.

    Permalink to quote #261
  3. Science does not know its debt to imagination.

    Permalink to quote #258

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