Book by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, first published in 1755, in France.
The idea of imagination is discussed throughout the book to point to the differences between the thinking of men in a 'state of nature' and 'civilised men'.
"But who does not see, without recurring to the uncertain testimony of history, that everything seems to remove from savage man both the temptation and the means of changing his condition? His imagination paints no pictures; his heart makes no demands on him. His few wants are so readily supplied, and he is so far from having the knowledge which is needful to make him want more, that he can have neither foresight nor curiosity. The face of nature becomes indifferent to him as it grows familiar. He sees in it always the same order, the same successions: he has not understanding enough to wonder at the greatest miracles." (p. 37)
"The imagination, which causes such ravages among us, never speaks to the heart of savages, who quietly await the impulses of nature, held to them involuntarily, with more pleasure than ardour, and their wants once satisfied lose the desire." (p.56)