Meaning: This quote by Samuel Alexander, a prominent philosopher, delves into the intricate relationship between imagination, expectation, and will. The quote challenges the conventional understanding that an object is first imagined or thought about and then expected or willed. Instead, Alexander argues that in the process of actively expecting an object, it is imagined as future, and in the act of willing it, it is thought.

The quote reflects Alexander's philosophical views on the interconnectedness of mental processes and the dynamic nature of human cognition. It suggests that the human mind does not passively engage in a linear sequence of imagining, expecting, and willing, but rather that these processes are intertwined and mutually influential. In essence, Alexander's words prompt us to reconsider the traditional understanding of how we perceive, anticipate, and act upon the world around us.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this quote, let's first examine the concept of imagination. Imagination involves the mental capacity to conjure up images, ideas, or possibilities that are not present in the immediate sensory experience. It is a creative and constructive process that allows individuals to envision alternate realities or potential outcomes. In the context of Alexander's quote, the notion of actively expecting an object implies that the imagination is not passive but rather actively engaged in projecting the object into the future. This active engagement suggests that imagination is not solely a retrospective process but also plays a crucial role in shaping our expectations and perceptions of what is to come.

Furthermore, Alexander's assertion that in being willed, an object is thought underscores the interconnectedness of willpower and cognitive processes. Willpower involves the conscious intention and determination to bring about a desired outcome. By suggesting that in the act of willing, an object is thought, Alexander highlights the cognitive aspect of volition. This implies that the exercise of will is not divorced from mental activity but is inherently tied to the process of thought and cognition.

In essence, the quote challenges the linear and compartmentalized view of mental processes by emphasizing their interdependence and dynamic nature. It suggests that the human mind does not operate in a rigid sequence of imagination, expectation, and will, but rather engages in a complex interplay of these processes. This perspective aligns with contemporary understandings of cognition, which emphasize the interconnected and interactive nature of mental activities.

From a philosophical standpoint, Alexander's quote raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of human agency and perception. It prompts us to consider how our imaginative faculties shape our expectations and how our willpower is intertwined with cognitive processes. Moreover, it invites reflection on the fluid and dynamic nature of human consciousness and the intricate interplay of mental activities.

In conclusion, Samuel Alexander's quote challenges conventional notions of how we perceive, anticipate, and act upon the world around us. It underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of mental processes, suggesting that imagination, expectation, and will are not isolated functions but are intertwined and mutually influential. This quote prompts us to reconsider the linear and compartmentalized view of cognition and encourages a deeper exploration of the complex interplay of mental activities.