The article by Andreas Veispak examines the often-overlooked importance of imagination in guiding societal structures and regulations. It argues that imagination is not solely the domain of individual artists or thinkers but is a collective force that shapes communities and futures. By stating that what cannot be imagined cannot be created or transformed, the author emphasizes the necessity of imaginative capacity in innovation and societal change.

Veispak references various philosophical perspectives on imagination, from empiricist views that define it as a rearrangement of memories, to Kant’s notion of it as a structuring force of experience, and into contemporary cognitive science, which perceives imagination as a simulation ability of the nervous system. This multifaceted understanding integrates historical insights with modern scientific discourse, stressing a consensus that sees imagination as the power to envision possibilities that extend beyond the immediate present.

The piece ultimately asserts that nations, economies, and institutions rely on shared imaginations to maintain order and envision a viable future. Concepts such as "imagined communities," "social imaginations," and "narrative identities" underscore how collective narratives and shared visions of potential play crucial roles in societal cohesion and progress. The article invites readers to reconsider the value of imagination as a critical component of both personal and societal development.