One of the virtues of being very young is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination.

The quote "One of the virtues of being very young is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination" by Sam Levenson celebrates the creative and uninhibited nature of childhood. Levenson, a humorist and educator, suggests that young children possess a unique ability to dream, create, and explore without being confined by the limitations of reality or the constraints of facts. In their early years, children are free to imagine worlds, possibilities, and adventures without worrying about whether their ideas align with what is considered factual or practical, which allows their imagination to flourish.

Levenson’s quote highlights the idea that imagination often thrives in environments where there are fewer rules or restrictions. While adults may become more focused on the practicalities of the world—what can and can’t be done based on facts—children have the freedom to dream big and envision things as they could be, rather than how they are. This quality of childhood allows for the kind of creativity and originality that can lead to new ideas, inventions, and artistic expressions, free from the burden of practicality or what is "possible."

The origin of the quote can be linked to Levenson’s perspective on youth and creativity. As a comedian, writer, and teacher, Levenson appreciated the freshness and untainted view of the world that young people bring to life. He often spoke to the importance of retaining a childlike sense of wonder and creativity throughout life. In this quote, he reflects on how being young allows one to approach the world with freedom and imagination, a contrast to the more measured and realistic perspective often developed in adulthood.

Ultimately, Levenson’s quote suggests that imagination is a virtue that should be nurtured and protected, as it allows for exploration and growth beyond the confines of everyday facts. It invites us to embrace the creative spirit of youth and recognize the power of imagination to lead to new ways of thinking and understanding the world, even as we grow older and become more rooted in the practicalities of life.