In Richard Russo's book "Straight Man," the author explores the dynamic relationship between imagination and energy. The phrase "imagination without energy remains inert" suggests that creative ideas and visions require action and motivation to come to life. Without the drive to execute these thoughts, they remain dormant and unfulfilled.
This highlights the importance of not just dreaming or visualizing possibilities but also taking the necessary steps to realize them. Russo's work emphasizes that true creativity is a combination of innovative thinking and the vigor to actualize those ideas in the real world.