Does the imagination fade with time or is it forced out?

Question

Humans are seemingly born with an amazing ability to creatively describe what we don't yet understand. It seems this ability fades from sight as we grow older, however, though it does not vanish entirely. Although it's uncertain how creative a child is prior to the range of 3-7, what they do during this period of their life seems to manifest clearly how imaginiative they are. This can be attributed mostly to a lack of knowledge and an attempt to have fun. Children are able to derive new ideas for creation faster than any grown man or woman. The downside is that they lack the capability to follow through at that point. So, do we destroy our innate ability to use such an imagination through education or do we merely lose it because we choose not to use it?

Answer 1

I strongly believe that it is forced out. We are taught to push our crazy thoughts away and act and do as everyone else around us!

Answer 2

I agree with Robert. The opportunity for creative and imaginitive thought and action can increase as the pressures of a typical adult juggling work and parenthood ease off. Personally, since there are no longer children living at home I've been able to resign from a high stress job, take up painting and various crafts, regularily get together with friends, and best of all, constantly laugh and have fun with my spouse. We get downright silly sometimes - and I firmly believe that humour is linked to imagination. (ie: convincing my European husband that everyone in Canada celebrates Leap Year by giving special presents to each other ;o)

Imagination and creativity are processed in the brain. The brain is a muscle. You need to excercise it regularily in order to keep it in shape.

Answer 3

I disagree with your premise that imagination and creativity decrease as one ages.

In fact, I believe that imagination does not diminish at all unless a debilitating illness threatens the life of an individual. When one becomes critically ill, autonomous body systems kick into high gear and arbitrarily borrow the energy formerly used to generate creativity in order to combat the illness that is life threatening.

In fact, I have witnessed numerous friends and acquaintances who become ultra creative and imaginative once the yoke of preforming the mundane functions of their primary job is removed via retirement. Their jobs tend to rob them of the time which could be used to sit back and imagine and dream.

So, don't worry. You can dream that impossible dream even when you are in your twilight years.

Answer 4

I think both. But, there are some adults that have great imaginations, that have used too many drugs.