Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.

In this quote, George Bernard Shaw outlines a three-step process of creation that begins with imagination. He asserts that imagination is the starting point of all creation—it is where ideas, desires, and dreams first take form. Shaw suggests that to create something, one must first visualize it, then develop the will to bring it into existence, and finally, act on that will to transform the imagined into reality. This progression shows how thoughts and desires can be turned into tangible outcomes.

Shaw's statement emphasizes the power of imagination in shaping the future. By imagining what we desire, we begin to visualize the possibilities, which in turn leads to the will to pursue those possibilities. The connection between imagination and willpower is crucial, as both are required to push us from the realm of ideas into actual creation. Shaw believes that what we imagine is not just a fleeting thought, but a potential reality waiting to be realized through effort and determination.

The origin of this quote comes from Shaw’s broader philosophy on self-empowerment and personal transformation. As a playwright and thinker, Shaw was deeply interested in the idea of human potential and how individuals can shape their own destinies. His works often explored themes of societal change, human agency, and the role of the individual in creating new paths for themselves and the world around them.

In essence, Shaw’s quote underscores the transformative power of imagination, showing how it acts as the foundation of all creation. It suggests that by combining imagination with will and action, we have the ability to create the life and the world we envision. This process of turning imagination into reality reflects Shaw’s belief in the active role of the individual in shaping their future and contributing to the greater world.