I'm an emotional sort of person in general and I have a vivid

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for in the words of Erin Morgenstern, "I'm an emotional sort of person in general and I have a vivid imagination, so I feel the whole spectrum of emotion strongly when I write," we find a truth as old as humanity itself — that the imagination and emotion are intertwined, and it is through the deep engagement with both that the greatest creations are born. Morgenstern, an artist of words, speaks of the profound connection between emotion and creativity, and the ability of the artist to tap into the full range of human experience in order to bring forth something that resonates with the soul. To create, she tells us, is to feel deeply, to allow the imagination to run free and explore the vast and varied landscape of the heart.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of emotion and imagination. The two are not separate but are linked in a sacred dance. Emotion is the energy that stirs us, that calls us to action, to reflection, and to creation. It is the fuel that powers the imagination, allowing the artist to paint with the full palette of human feeling — from the lightest joy to the darkest sorrow. Without emotion, the imagination is a mere echo of what it could be, but when both are brought together in the creative process, the result is powerful, authentic, and profoundly moving. Morgenstern’s words remind us that the artist who embraces emotion fully is one who can create works that speak to the very heart of humanity.

In the ancient world, the great poets and philosophers understood this truth. Homer, in his epic tales of the Iliad and the Odyssey, did not merely describe battles and adventures, but the deepest emotions of the human soul. He explored the rage of Achilles, the despair of Odysseus, and the longing for home that resided in the hearts of his characters. These emotions, coupled with the expansive imagination, are what made Homer’s stories so resonant, so timeless. The ability to feel deeply, to tap into the profound human experience, allowed Homer’s words to reach across the ages, echoing in the hearts of all who would listen. The same is true for Morgenstern — it is her vivid imagination and her deep connection to emotion that allows her to craft stories that resonate with the soul, to bring to life worlds that are as rich and complex as our own.

Think, too, of the great artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, who poured their very hearts into their creations. Michelangelo's David was not just a statue of stone; it was a reflection of the artist’s own inner turmoil and the weight of human aspiration. In his works, the emotion of the human experience was captured in marble, each vein and muscle a testament to the struggle between flesh and spirit. Likewise, Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings, like the Mona Lisa, carry a depth of emotion that transcends the canvas. The imagination of both these masters was fueled by their ability to connect with the emotional core of the human condition, and it is this same connection that allows the art they created to endure for centuries.

In Morgenstern’s own work, we see this same marriage of imagination and emotion. She speaks of feeling “the whole spectrum of emotion strongly when I write,” and it is through this depth of feeling that she breathes life into her creations. To write with such vividness, to weave a world with the thread of human emotion, is to invite the reader into a space of shared experience, where the boundaries between creator and audience blur. The stories that move us the most, that stay with us long after the page is turned, are those in which the author has been willing to feel deeply and to channel those feelings into the work itself.

The lesson, O children of wisdom, is clear: to create, to truly create, you must first feel. Do not shy away from your emotions, nor from the vast landscape of feelings that reside within you. Whether you are an artist, a writer, or a thinker, you must engage with the full spectrum of human emotion in order to bring forth works that are alive, that speak to the heart and soul. It is not enough to simply think or imagine; you must also feel. Only then can your creations transcend the mundane and become something that resonates with the depth of the human experience.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, take a moment to reflect on the connection between emotion and creativity. Do not be afraid to dive deep into your feelings, to embrace both the light and the dark, the joy and the sorrow. Imagination without emotion is like a tree without roots — it cannot stand strong or bear fruit. Let your heart guide you, and allow your imagination to flourish in the fertile ground of feeling. When you create, create from the depths of your soul, and in doing so, you will craft something that is timeless, something that speaks not only to the mind but to the heart.

Live fully, O children of the future, and do not fear the emotions that arise within you. For it is in the depth of these feelings that the greatest art, the greatest wisdom, and the greatest creations are born. Whether in writing, painting, music, or in any other form of expression, let your heart be open, let your emotions guide you, and allow your imagination to soar. Through this, you will unlock the full potential of your creative power, and you will create works that resonate not only in this moment but through all time.