Key points

Imagination enabled early humans to simulate danger and plan ahead.

Shared myths strengthened social cohesion in large groups.

It remains a key driver of social connection, adaptability, and progress.

We think of imagination as kids' stuff, fairy tales, doodles, or daydreams during a dull meeting. Just play. But it’s not fluff. Imagination is one of the most powerful forces in human history. Long before we had fire at our fingertips or words to explain ourselves, we could picture things that didn’t exist yet. That was our first real superpower. It let early humans picture things that didn’t yet exist and then make them real. It helped them prepare for danger, improve their tools, bond with others, and eventually, build entire civilizations. Imagination decorated the human

See Full Page