The statement emphasizes that "Planning is a mental exercise." This is because planning necessitates foresight, intelligent imagination, and sound judgment, all of which are cognitive functions. Detailed explanation follows:
- Foresight: The capacity to predict future occurrences or conditions, a crucial mental component of planning.
- Intelligent Imagination: The ability to envision various scenarios and their potential results, coupled with the intelligence to assess and select the optimal path forward.
- Sound Judgement: The act of making decisions or forming conclusions after thoroughly considering multiple factors, which is an application of mental abilities.
Therefore, the assertion "Planning is a mental exercise" accurately reflects the cognitive demands inherent in planning activities.