Imagination is defined as the “formation of a mental image
of something that is neither perceived as real nor present to the senses”
(American 677). It refers to a mental image and the tendency to be able
to form such images. “Imagination can be used as a means to creatively
confront and deal with reality, widely believed to be the invention of
unrealistic ideas or notions” (Sasson). “Imagination is the one weapon in
the war against reality” (de Gaultier). A person is always at war with
others and/or themselves. The mind can twist and create willingly what it
desires. The one who controls the path of the imaginative mind is the
master of his mind. He chooses the path, the distance, and the outcome of the
imagined events. Many people fear those who let the imagination roam
through endless time and space, not stopping until release and freedom are
obtained. Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than
knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” He
infers that the human imagination is capable of comprehending the entire world,
perhaps even the universe. Knowledge is important and needed, but the
mind is what controls knowledge. Without imagination, however, there
would be no dreams to lead to the discovery of new knowledge. The
imagination plays an important role in the process of creating a new world that is inside another; however, observation is also needed to succeed and control the
boundaries of the imagination (Brookes 12). Reality is not always what
the masses believe it to be. It has two sides the imagination controls
which may either bring a person destruction or release from
pain.
What
is the true reality of the world? Vithu Jevaloganathan said, “The
identity of one changes with how one perceives reality.” The world
revolves around the idea that there is one believable reality, and it is the
only way to live. Not many people are willing to challenge this idea by
branching out into the depths of imaginative thought. A man can choose to
conform to the dull and accustomed reality of the everyday world, or he can
choose to be transformed by exploring what the mind has to offer. The
imagination of a new reality can be threatening or comforting. A person
can get lost in the mind and be fooled by the imagination. People who
live life as if in a make-believe world are often labeled as “daydreamers.” A
popular song of the late 1960’s characterized such individuals as “daydream
believers” (“Birds”). People that choose to live life through daydreams
often lose sight of reality and may become irresponsible idealists. The
imagined world and life becomes one’s reality and truth. A man can lose
himself to a false reality. Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Imagination rules
the world!” If allowed to do so, one’s mind can twist the truth into a
myth, creating a new, safe and happy world of the mind which seems to be the
only truth. On the other hand, the imagination is capable of transforming
a wicked reality of unstable thoughts and emotions into an imagined reality of
safety and security.
Man often wants to live through his dreams because it is
safer than the real world. Nevertheless, no man can escape having to come
back to harshness of the realities around him. John Lennon wrote,
“.
. . Imagine there's no countries,
it
isn't hard to do
No
need to kill or die for
and
no religions too
Imagine
all the people
Living
life in peace. . .”
He
imagined a world with no separation and pain but of one with only peace and
love. He allowed his imagination to bring him hope for a better future
and reality. Man cannot let the truth and destruction of the
circumstances around him destroy his hope, but attempts to escape into the
dreams of peace. The man who becomes a dreamer finds a new beginning,
life, and hope. No longer does he have to endure a day, wishing for it to
end, so he can sleep and dream in order to have a means of escape. He can
relax and see reality as a learning ground to grow stronger and create new
thoughts and dreams. He can then achieve the purpose of using the
imagination to his advantage. The imagination can then become the reality
and be as comforting as a dream.
Perhaps
imagination cannot be trusted. It may entrap a man and make him believe
his imagined life is reality, and the rest of the world is living in an
alternate reality. If one allows imagination to take root in such a way
that the dream becomes one’s actuality, then truth is blurred into one
existence and one thought with the imagination. The truth and the fiction
become indistinguishable from one another. Alternately, perhaps
imagination is the greatest tool of the human brain for coping with the harsh
realities of life. Comforting memory and thought embellished by the
imagination provide comfort and happiness, even peace of mind. The person
who learns to use his imagination properly, under control, as a tool of
creativity may have the ability to change not only his own life but also to
change the world. Imagination assists in building a man’s belief system,
and his beliefs will provide the catalyst for his actions. Ultimately,
imagination is the compass by which one’s destiny can be charted.
Works
Cited
“Imagination.”
The American Heritage College Dictionary.
3rd ed. 1997. Print. Pp 677.
“Imagination.”
Dictionary.com. N.p, 2011. Web. 8
April 2011.
Lincoln,
Wanda and Suid, Murry. “Imagination.” The
Teacher’s Quotation Book. New York:
White Plains, 1986. Print. pp 67
Sasson,
Remez. “The Power of Imagination.” SuccessConsciousness.com, 2001-2011. Web. 8
April 2011.
