Imagination Versus Knowledge
'Imagination is greater than knowledge'
I saw this phrase written on a wall recently and it spoke to me in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
The phrase kept repeating itself in my head as I thought about it more.
I believe that without imagination there cannot be knowledge. But knowledge in turn creates more imagination which makes more knowledge and so on.
However, I don’t think of this as a chicken and egg scenario. Where did knowledge come from? It came from coming up with an idea and finding out what would happen. This gives us facts; knowledge. And it came from imagination.
For me this relates to the art vs. science battle that has been raging for a long time. Art is made with imagination and science is made with knowledge. But when people tell me about the contribution to better life brought about by science, and how art is being useless by comparison.
I think of it like this: images came before writing. Writing is the foundation of science. In my opinion, scientists owe artists a lot. Knowledge owes imagination.
Through the original phrase is 'imagination is greater than knowledge', I don’t think it’s about a competition. I personally believe it’s for people to think before they know. To imagine new solutions before using the method they’re told.
I believe new ways of thinking are the way forward for young people. If we can think of new methods and new techniques then we can make communities better for young people.
'Imagination is greater than knowledge'
What does the phrase say to you?
IMAGE: h.koppdelaney
