The Development of Imagination

In this talk, I will argue against the conventional wisdom that imagination is the special province of youth. The science of cognitive development shows that young children are wired to be imitators rather than innovators. When confronted with novel challenges, they struggle to think outside the box, and their creativity is constrained by what they deem probable, typical, or normal. Children engage in pretend play, but that play usually simulates real life, as children prefer exploring mundane scenarios and practicing routine behaviors to inventing something fanciful or whimsical. Children’s imaginations are not fully formed because they lack the necessary knowledge; it is knowledge of what is real that provides a foundation for contemplating what might be possible. In short, I will argue that the key to expanding the imagination is not forgetting what you know but learning something new.