What is imagination?

For many, imagination seems only for young children and the gifted. Yet Lui and Noppe-Brandon (2009) challenge this idea by defining imagination as a universal "capacity to conceive of what is not", in their book Imagination First.

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Imagination is a cognitive process which demonstrates our capacity to wonder at possibilities. It is present in all humans, and some animals, and can be developed through practice into a habit (Sternberg, 2007). Cognitive science indicates that imaginative habits “increase the size and elasticity of imaginative muscles” (Liu, & Noppe-Brandon, 2009, p. 22). Imaginative thoughts are the necessary precursor to creativity.

References

Liu, E., & Noppe-Brandon, S (2009). Imagination First. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Sternberg, R. (2007). Creativity as Habit. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237103683_Creativity_as_a_Habit