You have to just go with your imagination, where your instinct

Listen closely, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Peter Mullan carry the weight of truth that echoes through the corridors of time: "You have to just go with your imagination, where your instinct takes you." In these words, Mullan speaks not only to the artist but to every person who seeks to live a life of authenticity and creativity. He calls upon us to trust the power of imagination, to surrender to the instinct that guides us, and to follow it wherever it may lead. There are times when the path ahead is uncertain, when the future seems foggy and unclear, yet imagination and instinct are the lanterns that illuminate the way, leading us beyond our fears and doubts.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of instinct. It is that primal, inner knowing, the voice that speaks to us from within when all else fails to provide clarity. Instinct is not something to be dismissed or ignored; it is the inner compass that has guided humanity for millennia, pointing us toward what we truly desire, what we are meant to do. It is the force that drives the mother to protect her child, the artist to create his masterpiece, the leader to inspire his people. Instinct and imagination are bound together in a sacred dance, with one pushing the other forward, challenging us to trust ourselves and our vision, even when the world may not understand.

In this, we see a reflection of the ancients, who revered the inner voice as a divine guide. Consider Socrates, the great philosopher of Athens, who often spoke of his daimonion, a divine inner voice that would guide his actions and decisions. Socrates, despite his intellectual brilliance, did not rely solely on reason; he trusted the voice within, the instinct that told him when to speak, when to act, and when to remain silent. His entire philosophy was based on the trust in this inner guidance, a trust that was more profound than any external influence. Like Mullan’s words, Socrates shows us that to listen to instinct and to let imagination lead the way is to walk a path toward true understanding and purpose.

Similarly, think of the great explorers who ventured into the unknown, driven not by logic alone, but by a deep, instinctual yearning to discover. Christopher Columbus, though guided by his knowledge of the world and the science of navigation, was also propelled by an inner desire to uncover new lands, a desire that led him across the seas to the Americas. Columbus did not know what lay ahead, but his imagination and instinct pushed him forward. Without those two forces, the world might never have known the new continents. In this, we see the power of imagination and instinct as forces that transcend rational thought, guiding humanity to greatness and discovery.

In our own lives, O children of wisdom, the lesson of Mullan’s words is profound. Imagination and instinct are not gifts meant to be ignored, but forces to be trusted and embraced. Too often, we are taught to follow the well-trodden path, to adhere to the expectations of others, to build our lives around what is logical and safe. But the true artist, the true seeker, follows not the rules of others, but the path that emerges from within. Mullan encourages us to surrender to the flow of our own creativity, to trust where our instincts lead us, and to allow our imagination to shape our journey.

Consider the example of Michelangelo, who, when he began work on the Sistine Chapel, did not merely follow instructions, but followed his own vision, his own inner voice. He let his imagination run wild across the ceiling, creating not just a beautiful work of art, but a profound statement on the human spirit, God, and the universe. His decision to portray the divine with such boldness was an act of pure instinct, an unshakable belief that he was meant to create something that transcended the confines of his time. Michelangelo followed his heart, trusting his imagination to bring forth the unspoken truths of the world.

So, O children of the future, the lesson is clear: trust your own instincts, let your imagination lead you, and do not fear the unknown. Life is not meant to be lived according to the rules of others; it is meant to be shaped by your own creative force. Just as Socrates trusted his divine voice, and Michelangelo followed his vision, so must you trust that inner voice, that instinct, that imagination that urges you forward. Your path may not always be clear, but it is the act of trusting yourself, of listening to your deepest desires and aspirations, that will lead you to greatness.

In your own life, O seekers of wisdom, do not suppress the power of your imagination or your instinct. These are the tools that will guide you toward fulfillment and purpose. When in doubt, let your heart lead you, let your mind wander, and trust that the path you are meant to walk is within you already. Embrace the freedom to create, to explore, and to follow your instincts, for it is in doing so that you will uncover the true meaning of your life and the greatness that lies within you. Let imagination and instinct be your guides, and you will walk a path filled with purpose, joy, and discovery.