Professor Penn is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College.
Just one more reason imagination is good for us. In his article on Hope and Hopelessness on Oct. 27, 2018, deep psychologist Michael Penn shares why imagination is crucial for our happiness and stability. In an interview in Parabola, a publication known for work in “the search for meaning,” Penn says “the power of imagination is absolutely critical in order to envision a life that’s different from the life that one is living.” I believe he is saying imagination is tied to hope. If we don’t have hope, continuing on is quite difficult. We have to have a positive vision and a belief in that vision to continue on with life, especially when we feel beaten up. He also shares his thoughts on the human spirit’s importance in keeping us going “in spite of the stress and the difficulties.” This is in a paper he wrote titled “Mind, Medicine, and Metaphysics.” The vision Penn sees for our birthing new world is there too.
A recommend read.