Imagination is but another name for super intelligence.

In the quote, "Imagination is but another name for super intelligence," Edgar Rice Burroughs suggests that imagination is not just a creative or whimsical trait, but a form of heightened intelligence. By equating imagination with "super intelligence," Burroughs elevates the role of creative thought to something more powerful and sophisticated. He implies that the ability to envision and conceive of ideas beyond the present reality is a reflection of a deeper intellectual capacity, one that goes beyond logical reasoning or conventional knowledge.

The connection between imagination and super intelligence in Burroughs’ quote underscores the idea that those who can think creatively and abstractly are demonstrating a higher level of cognitive ability. Imagination requires a person to think beyond what is known, to connect disparate ideas, and to visualize possibilities that are not immediately apparent. This process, which involves complex mental flexibility and vision, is a marker of intelligence that goes beyond conventional forms of problem-solving.

Burroughs’ words also speak to the idea that imagination is a vital force in innovation and progress. Super intelligence, as defined here, is the ability to push the boundaries of current understanding and to imagine new worlds, technologies, or concepts that have never existed before. By placing imagination on the same level as high intellectual capacity, Burroughs reinforces its importance in shaping human progress, particularly in fields like art, science, and literature.

The origin of this quote lies in Burroughs' own creative journey as a writer and inventor. Known for creating the Tarzan series and exploring vast, imaginative worlds in his science fiction works, Burroughs valued imagination as a key element of intellectual exploration. His perspective aligns with his career as a storyteller, where imagination not only fueled his narratives but also embodied a kind of intellectual power capable of transcending reality.