Journal of Publishing and Criticism
JPC, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2026, pp.148-154
Print ISSN: 3107-0892; Online ISSN: 3107-0906
Journal homepage: https://www.jpcjournal.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64058/jpc260115tdirx
The Three Dimensions of Imagination: A Review of Xie Youshun’s Imagination Is More Important Than We Think
Ju Zhian, Deng Aiqin
Abstract: Imagination designates the act of rendering present what is otherwise absent. Literary writing represents an accomplishment that integrates imagination, critical thinking, and innovative spirit, wherein imagination fulfills an indispensable role. This paper delineates three interrelated dimensions of imagination: sensation as the foundation of imagination; awakening as the proper function of imagination; and Pondering as the abode of imagination. It contends that imagination functions as the keystone in the process of literary composition. Imagination further enables literature to inherit the lineage of traditional spirit, traverse the inner pathway of the soul, and respond to existential questions concerning life and the world. In the end, imagination allows literature to remain grounded in reality while reaching toward transcendence.
Keywords: imagination; Xie Youshun; imaginative capacity
Author Biographies: Ju Zhian, PhD Candidate, School of Philosophy, Guizhou University; Research Interests: Western Philosophy. E-mail: 903104445@qq.com. Deng Aiqin (Corresponding Author), PhD Candidate, School of Humanities, Guangzhou University; Research Interests: International Chinese Language Education. E-mail: 1575286303@qq.com.
标题：想象力的三重面相——评谢有顺的《想象力比我们想象的更重要》
摘要：想象是使本身不出场的东西出场，作文是以集想象力、思辨力和创新精神于一身的成果，想象在其中发挥着极其重要的作用。本文梳理了想象力的三个面相：感觉—想象力之本；觉悟—想象力之职；神思—想象力之家。认为想象力在创作文学的作文过程中有着拱心石的作用，同时，想象力使文学上承传统精神之脉，中通灵魂之途，下应身世之问。最终使文学脚踏实地并仰望星空。
关键词：想象；谢有顺；想象力
作者简介：鞠治安，贵州大学哲学学院在读博士研究生，研究方向：外国哲学。电邮：903104445@qq.com。邓爱芹（通讯作者），广州大学人文学院在读博士研究生，研究方向：国际中文教育。电邮：1575286303@qq.com。
Received: 29 Mar 2026 / Revised: 21 Apr 2026 / Accepted: 25 Apr 2026 / Published online: 30 Apr 2026 / Print published: 30 May 2026.
