[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fJQgMEGCkkzcWvTEH3ZIJ-mQDiZ-c7MJN3jREPTS1CS0":3,"$fOmap2CLB2U9CmyA1SBbImqhvCfGMS2DIr3MO-tH8i8Y":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},20686,"Susan Spann","S",1,null,"susan-spann",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":33},[14],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":32},92008,"If your imaginary friends are at all like mine, they’re better off dead.",2,true,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22,27],{"id":23,"tag":24},634805,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},48,"imagination",{"id":28,"tag":29},634807,{"id":30,"tag_name":31},60,"writing","**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is likely from Susan Spann's novel \"Shinola\" (2014), where she explores themes of identity, reality, and the blurred lines between them. As a writer specializing in historical mysteries set in Japan, Spann often weaves together elements of folklore, mythology, and psychological insight into her stories.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nAt first glance, this quote seems to suggest a bleak outlook on mental health, implying that imaginary friends should be eliminated or even killed. However, upon closer examination, the phrase reveals a deeper philosophical nuance: it's not about eliminating creative constructs but rather acknowledging their impermanence and potential for emotional manipulation.\n\nThe tension lies in recognizing that our inner constructs – whether they're conscious daydreams or subconscious fears – can take on lives of their own, influencing our perceptions and actions. By confronting the fact that these imaginary friends might be \"better off dead,\" we're forced to consider what it means for something to have a meaningful existence, and whether its continued presence is beneficial or detrimental.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nIn applying this mindset today, modern professionals and creatives can benefit from regularly auditing their internal constructs – whether they manifest as daydreams, anxiety, or creative blocks. By recognizing the impermanence of these constructs, they can learn to approach them with a sense of detachment, allowing for more objective evaluation and, ultimately, more effective problem-solving and personal growth.",{"currentPage":8,"totalPages":8,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":34},10]