"Political and social events must also be effective, but not in a very obvious fashion. But political confusion and prolonged peace undoubtedly affect creative thought but whether they respectively hinder or help it is not at all certain"

In this quote, John Desmond Bernal articulates a nuanced view of the relationship in between political, gatherings, and imagination. He begins by asserting that political and social events need to be efficient, which suggests they need to lead to concrete outcomes, be they reforms, cultural shifts, or social awakenings. Nevertheless, Bernal adds that such efficiency should not be overtly apparent. This might recommend that subtler, underlying influences of political events often have more extensive and long lasting influence on society and imagination than dramatic, headline-making actions. Subtle shifts might inspire much deeper reflection and nuanced responses from artists, writers, and thinkers who direct these impacts into their creative work.

Bernal then highlights an important relationship in between political confusion, prolonged peace, and imagination. Political confusion typically results in uncertainty, disorder, and unpredictability, which, although challenging, can act as abundant fodder for innovative minds. Such an environment can result in a questioning of standards and the birth of ingenious ideas. On the other hand, extended peace-- while usually seen as helpful-- can potentially cause complacency and a lack of urgency, which might stifle imagination. In times of peace, the lack of pressing conflicts or challenges may lead to a slower speed of development and less radical ideas being explored.

In spite of acknowledging the impacts of both political confusion and extended peace, Bernal leaves open-ended whether these states hinder or assist imagination. This ambivalence shows the complex and specific nature of innovative procedures. The impacts of societal conditions on imagination can vary extensively among individuals and contexts. Some might prosper creatively in disorderly environments, while others might discover their biggest inspiration in peace and stability. Bernal's quote ultimately underscores the detailed interaction between external societal elements and internal imaginative procedures, highlighting that the effect of these forces on imagination is far from straightforward or foreseeable.