Abstract
The author proposes two forms of imagination inherent in the psychological development of the individual. These complementary aspects are an exoteric, secular dimension of imagination and an esoteric, transcendent dimension. Both are essential, but it is the latter spiritual imagination that is the catalyst in transcending the everyday as well as achieving ultimate goals. The author explores the relationship between transcendent imagination and its pervasive influence on the achievement of valued goals by evaluating educational attainment among Americans of Italian descent as a function of esoteric imagination. Although this group has achieved economic parity with other immigrant groups, it still lags behind in occupational and educational attainment. The conclusion drawn is that when an individual possesses a heightened sense of transcendent imagination, that person is able to break away from conventional roles by envisioning creative possibilities that come from within the psyche rather than the surrounding social milieu.