What does symbolic thought allow individuals to do?

Symbolic thought is a crucial aspect of cognitive development that enables individuals to use language, images, and various symbols to represent objects, ideas, and experiences from the world around them. This ability is foundational for more abstract thinking and facilitates communication, as it allows people to convey complex concepts without needing to reference physical objects directly. Through symbolic thought, individuals can engage in imaginative play, problem-solving, and expressing feelings and ideas that are not immediately present, thereby enriching their understanding of themselves and their environment.

In contrast, understanding only concrete concepts would limit a person's cognitive abilities and restrict their communication skills, while focusing exclusively on the immediate environment would prevent them from considering broader contexts. Ignoring complex ideas altogether would hinder development and learning, as many aspects of thought and language involve significant abstraction and symbolization.