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"انسان خردمند تنها گونه‌ای روی زمین است که قادر به تصور چیزهایی است که واقعاً وجود ندارند."

Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari Historian and Author
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Quote meaning
Humans are unique because we can dream up things that aren't real. Think about that for a second. No other creature on Earth does that. Your dog? It lives in the moment, concerned solely with belly rubs and food. Your cat? Same deal, but with a lot more attitude. Humans, on the other hand, envision entire worlds, stories, and futures that don't exist.

Let’s rewind to when this idea first gained traction. It’s been a topic of interest for ages, but Yuval Noah Harari really brought it to the forefront in his book "Sapiens." He argued that our ability to create and believe in shared myths—like gods, nations, and money—is what has set Homo sapiens apart and allowed us to dominate the Earth. This ability to imagine things that aren’t real has led to some pretty incredible stuff.

Picture this: a bunch of innovators in a small garage in Palo Alto in the mid-1970s. They're fiddling with wires and circuit boards, dreaming up a device that might one day sit in every home. Back then, the personal computer was a figment of their imagination—a fantasy. Fast forward, and here we are, with devices that are not just in our homes, but in our pockets, connecting us to the entire world. That’s the power of imagination.

So how do you harness this ability to imagine things that don’t exist? Start by allowing yourself to dream without limitations. Sounds cheesy, right? But seriously, give your imagination free rein. Think about something you wish existed. Is it a new app? A novel? A way to combat climate change? Now, take small steps to bring that idea closer to reality. Research, plan, test—repeat.

Let’s get into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're an office worker, stuck in a monotonous 9-to-5 job. Every day feels the same, and you’re itching for something more. You dream of starting your own business, something that combines your love for cooking with your knack for storytelling. You imagine a fusion food truck—serving dishes that tell a story. Your family and friends think you're crazy; food trucks aren't exactly booming in your small town. But you've got a vision. You start small—cooking for friends, posting recipes online, slowly building a following. Before you know it, your imaginary concept starts to become tangible. You get a loan, buy a truck, and your dream wheels into reality.

The key takeaway? Imagination is your superpower. Use it. Don’t dismiss your crazy ideas too quickly. They might just be the seeds of something incredible. Dream big, and then take those small, practical steps to water those dreams. Who knows? One day, you might surprise yourself with what you’ve brought into existence.

Ideas, no matter how wild or outlandish, are the sparks that ignite change and innovation. So next time you're daydreaming, don't stop yourself. Let your mind wander. That's what makes us human.
Related tags
Abstract thinking Cognitive abilities Creativity Fiction Human nature Human species Imagination Unique abilities
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