Home The Book Praise

"Imagination First unlocks the secrets of the most important aspect of human consciousness and will be a valuable aid to anyone wishing to unfold their potential for creativity.”

—Deepak Chopra
Author, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul

 

Imagination First is a wonderfully written book that makes a powerful case for how much we owe to imagination. And it is full of detailed, useful suggestions for how to release that powerful force in each of us. It couldn’t be more timely!”

—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
C.S. and D.J. Davidson Professor of Psychology and Management;
Director of Quality of Life Research Center, Claremont Graduate University;
Author, Flow

 
“Imagination is an indispensable quality in a dancer or a choreographer, but it cannot flourish without arduous, passionate practice. Seldom has this concept been articulated so clearly, with simple common sense backing a complex philosophy. And it is a joy to see it taken beyond the world of the arts, to an audience from all walks of life, demystified and accompanied not merely by vague advice on how to be imaginative, but by concrete, amazing practices. A book of delightful surprises and assured discovery—just like good choreography.”

—Judith Jamison
Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

 

“Imagination--we all want more of it. The question is, can we teach it, and if so, how? Eric Liu and Scott Noppe Brandon answer yes, and they chart the way in this engaging and delightful book. Our kids will be the better for it!”

—Joel I. Klein
Chancellor, New York City Department of Education

 

“Drawing from literature, the latest science, and a wide array of real-world examples, Imagination First shines a much-needed lantern into the blackbox of the creative process. For anyone interested in succeeding in today's imagination economy, this timely book offers an expansive and accessible toolbox.”

—Daniel H. Pink
Author, A Whole New Mind and The Adventures of Johnny Bunko

 

“An incredible book. In my profession, imagination is the key to innovation. It has always guided my career, but the text is an excellent primer for everyone, not just professionals in entertainment: business leaders, scientists, inventors—you name it. The “real-world” practices I found here are invaluable: supported by case studies in education, the arts, business, and sports. The authors demonstrate that there is a reservoir of imagination in each and every one of us waiting to be tapped in order to succeed, as well as excel, in this competitive world.”

—Ben Silverman
Media Producer, formerly Co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios

 

Imagination First offers a blueprint for tapping into the power of imagination, which is the core of innovation. To maintain our competitive edge, we need to balance instruction, encouraging our children to be creative and to develop their imaginations. Every student should be in a classroom where investigating, questioning, and discovering are inherently part of the curriculum. In today's economy, these skills are essential for success and continued world leadership in the 21st century.”

—John I. Wilson
Executive Director, National Education Association

 

“This is a wonderful book about opening our minds, by two writers who understand well what is likely to close them. Each chapter demonstrates how to break the bonds of unseen assumptions, by ‘rinsing out expectations,’ or redesigning spaces to support generative conversations, or creating new narratives, or much more. Each chapter is just long enough to deliver a mind-popping idea and just short enough to keep us from getting lost in our usual thoughts.”

—Rosamund Zander
Co-author, The Art of Possibility

 
We Have a Winner!

Randy Compton, a teacher from Colorado, has won our first Imagination Practice Contest! Read his winning entry and submit your practice to the second round of the competition.

Submit your practice by October 1 for a chance to win an iPod and other gifts.

Enter now!

Imagination Now
Imagination Now
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