Reference : New Scientist, 20 September 2014, page 33
Imagination is a ubiquitous human trait, and is vitally important. A study of children showed that those who had 'imaginary friends' grew up to be more successful, get better grades, less mental illness, less drug or alcohol use,and were not arrested. The imaginary friend provided emotional support at any time, and helped to calm down children who would otherwise exhibit violent emotion.
Imagination appears to have value on that emotional level, reducing trauma, but is also vital in practical ways. Children with high levels of fantasy life have been shown to be more likely to grow up into successfully creative adults. Adults make use of imagination for practical purposes, such as planning and preparing for difficult situations. Even something as simple as figuring out how to seduce a desirable woman. It is clear that imagination is one of the keys to human success.
It occurred to me (therefore this is my opinion and is subject to debate) that consciousness might be related to imagination. In psychology, the nature and origin of consciousness is seen as a major problem. I have seen a statement to the effect that we know no more about consciousness than the ancient Romans did, which is to say, nothing.
However, to me, consciousness must include the concept of self. To understand that there is a person, known as 'me', who can be thought about in the same way we think about other people or about things or situations. Thinking about this self is a big part of consciousness, if not the main part of it.
If we use imagination as a means of dealing with the world, then we introduce this self into the imaginary world. My imagination at work deciding how to seduce the girl of my dreams, or even to determine how to decide if the rustle in the bushes is a lion, then my imaginary scenario must include myself. So I am suggesting that the inclusion of 'self' into worlds of imagination, is the origin of consciousness.
Now tell me where I am wrong.