Imagination

Creativity and the arts Spirituality and transcendence

Architecture Artists and art history Beauty and aesthetics Celebrations and festivals Creativity Dance Film Imagination Laughter and comedy Music Painting and sculpture Philosophy of art Photography Play Poetry Stories and literature The nature of reality Theatre and performance Traditional arts

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A joyful athlete wearing a gold medal holds his hands to his cheeks standing in front of an Olympic rings background.

Goals and motivation

idea

Here’s how to use your imagination to prepare for any task

From sport to public speaking, the link between mental imagery and actual performance is undeniable – and you can harness it

by Jonathan Rhodes

Impressionist painting of a family in a garden, with a child learning to walk, assisted by an adult, as another adult crouches down with outstretched arms.

Values and beliefs

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A philosophical approach can help you identify what truly matters

We’re often taught to live according to our values, but this is easier said than done without pausing to reflect deeply

by Valerie Tiberius

Photo of an athlete in a white jacket with a gold medal, smiling with hands on face against an Olympic rings backdrop.

Goals and motivation

guide

Here’s how to use your imagination to prepare for any task

From sport to public speaking, the link between mental imagery and actual performance is undeniable – and you can harness it

by Jonathan Rhodes

Shadow of a person on crumpled paper in dark setting photo.

Trauma and PTSD

film

Sent to boarding school, a boy conjures up a friend to soothe his distress

A film by Tony Gammidge

Photo of two people observing a museum display of a Indigenous head with feathers and fur in a glass case.

Communication and language

idea

This is what a Neanderthal conversation would have sounded like

Neanderthals had language, but it differed from ours in an important way that could help explain our superior art and tech

by Steven Mithen

Neurodiversity

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Psychedelics could give a mind’s eye to those who’ve never had one

Case reports suggest psychedelics might reverse aphantasia (a lack of mental imagery), but is that necessarily a good thing?

by Shayla Love

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of a window in a building with closed shutters.

Focus and attention

guide

How to wait well

Instead of fuming in subjugated irritation, turn wait times into chances to connect, muse and think big about the future

by Jason Farman

Abstract figure with tree-like head, green patterned torso and outlined suit, against a black background.

Creativity

film

An improvised animation doubles as an absurdly fun lesson in creativity

Directed by Sasha Svirsky

Photo of a grey car parked by a purple brick wall on a rainy day with an industrial building in the background.

Mind and brain

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This is how your brain distinguishes reality from imagination

In terms of brain activity, imagining something is very similar to seeing it, so why don’t you confuse the two more often?

by Shayla Love

Poster of “The Invisible Man’s Revenge” showing a woman at a piano, a man in a suit and an invisible figure with a gun.

Stories and literature

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Why the concept of invisibility so captivates the imagination

From ancient fables to the latest science theory, invisibility represents some of humankind’s deepest fears and desires

by Greg Gbur

Painting of a radiant mandala-like design with a central circular scene depicting a tropical landscape framed by vibrant red, pink and blue hues.

Imagination

film

The street music of Montreal inspires an animator’s psychedelic joyride

A film by Ryan Larkin