"WE ARE IN GREAT DANGER - We're dumbing down imagination" - Ben Habib
“I think we are in great danger of dumbing down our imagination” claims Advance UK Leader Ben Habib
In his recent appearance on The Baraka Show, Ben Habib emphasises on the significance of imagination as a defining human quality and its crucial role in the progress of civilisation, particularly highlighting the British contribution to global development. He described imagination, not just as a whimsical escape, but as one of the core qualities that separates human beings from all other species.
Almost everything that holds society together began as an idea long before it became an institution. You cannot touch justice. You cannot measure democracy with a ruler. But it is these intangible concepts - born from imagination, that have allowed civilisations to flourish. Imagination is what led mankind to civilisation but he pointed out a very important aspect within the modern society which might discourage people from using their imagination - Freedom of Speech. When people feel unable to speak freely - whether due to public backlash, political forces, or social norms - the result is a shrinking of the intellectual space where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined.
If society becomes afraid to debate openly, he warns, it risks losing its ability to think creatively and critically. In his view, “dumbing down” begins when people no longer feel safe questioning prevailing narratives. He goes on to urge the fellow Brits to take pride in their national identity and encouraged them to learn more about the traditions and values that have shaped Britain and to participate actively in public discourse.