Imagination only comes when you privilege the subconscious, when you make delay and procrastination work for you.

In the quote "Imagination only comes when you privilege the subconscious, when you make delay and procrastination work for you," Hilary Mantel explores the idea that imagination is often nurtured not through deliberate effort, but by allowing the subconscious to guide the creative process. She suggests that by embracing moments of delay and procrastination, a writer or artist can give their mind the space it needs to wander, make connections, and generate new ideas. Instead of forcing creativity, Mantel advocates for a more organic, relaxed approach that lets the mind work in its own time.

Mantel, a celebrated British author best known for her historical fiction, particularly Wolf Hall, has often discussed the creative process in terms of patience and trusting the subconscious. Her statement reflects the belief that creativity is not always something that can be directly controlled or rushed. By allowing moments of stillness and procrastination, we are giving our minds the chance to digest and process ideas in ways that conscious effort alone cannot achieve.

The concept of privileging the subconscious also suggests that creativity often arises from deeper, less conscious parts of the mind. These parts of the brain work on a different timeline and can make unexpected connections that might not surface through immediate effort. For Mantel, the key to imagination is giving oneself permission to not constantly be "working," but instead to allow time for the mind to simmer and generate ideas more naturally.

Ultimately, Mantel’s quote encourages a shift in how we view productivity and creativity. It challenges the conventional idea that constant work and effort are the only routes to success. Instead, she suggests that by embracing procrastination and trusting the subconscious, we can actually enhance our imaginative abilities and create work that feels more authentic and inspired.