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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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

idea

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

Two people look at a scientifically based recreation of a Neanderthal man’s head, adorned with feathers and fur, enclosed in a glass case at a museum. The setting is under strong indoor lighting with a blue wall background.

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

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of an open window with shutters in an old building.

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

Neurodiversity

idea

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

A grey car is parked next to a purple brick wall with some plants growing at the base. The sky is overcast and buildings are in the background.

Mind and brain

idea

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

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

Vintage image of a woman and a man looking fearful in front of sheet music, while a shadowy figure with a gun and bouquet looms in the background.

Stories and literature

idea

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

A display of multiple white masks with various facial expressions arranged in rows, with a brick wall visible through an oval gap in the centre.

Imagination

idea

In the architecture of the mind, where lies human imagination?

In the architecture of the mind, is imagination a built-in structural feature or a result of cognitive remodelling work?

by Michael Omoge

Close-up of a colourful, abstract wool sculpture resembling a face with various textures and fibres extending outward.

Love

film

Making love strange to imagine it anew – a startling, award-winning animation

Directed by Anushka Naanayakkara