You have to imagine it possible before you can see something. You can have the evidence right in front of you, but if you can't imagine something that has never existed before, it's impossible.

Rita Dove’s quote, "You have to imagine it possible before you can see something," speaks to the power of imagination in creating new possibilities. Dove suggests that before we can even perceive or recognize something, we must first believe that it is possible. Imagination allows us to conceptualize what has never been done or seen before, and only by envisioning these possibilities can we make them a reality. She emphasizes that imagination is the first step in bringing new ideas or innovations into existence.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Dove’s experiences as a poet and thinker, where she constantly pushed the boundaries of creativity and expression. As someone who has made significant contributions to literature and poetry, Dove understands the role of imagination in both art and everyday life. Her quote underscores the importance of vision and the ability to conceptualize something beyond what already exists in order to achieve innovation or progress.

Dove also addresses the challenge of seeing something that doesn’t yet exist, suggesting that even when the evidence is right in front of us, it’s not enough without the imagination to recognize and believe in it. This means that imagination serves as the gateway to possibility—we need to first imagine the potential of new ideas or futures before we can bring them into view and make them tangible. Without the ability to imagine, even the most obvious opportunities can remain unseen or unrecognized.

In essence, Dove’s quote encourages the power of imagination as a crucial force in shaping the future. She reminds us that creativity and vision are key to discovering new solutions, ideas, and paths that are not yet visible in the world. To create something new, we must first be able to imagine it as a possibility, allowing us to turn the unseen into the seen and make the impossible possible.