"It is a form of seeing."

[Sentimental Gentleman]

That imagination is a form of seeing is one of the key lessons of occultism that I've taken into my heart. I think the quotation you provide is a very wise and beautiful one. And I think you're quite right, StableRelationship, in comparing those who don't understand the bond a person and a pony may share to those who would sever the deep connection between person and daemon in His Dark Materials.