It can be said that anything that is intentionally done differently than it was done before is a creative act. It is creative to oneself at least. One knows zhe did something differently but it is probably truly creative only if zhe was intending to obtain a better result. If it was accidental, then it was accidental.
So, in the valuable sense, what are the important elements of being creative? Or of being designated as a “genius”? The story of Richard Feynman, in a book by James Gleick, gives a full life story; Gleick follows Feynman from his youth through to his triumphant explanations of quantum theory. As a youth, his father took him everywhere and Richard was always asking “Why?” These walks were explorations. But, after that, there was college study and heavy personal effort. Thomas Edison said that creativity is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration. That is just an exaggerated counter to the “Eureka” stories that turn creativity into something magical.
Here are the five important factors in being creative: curiosity/observation, persistence, associative skills, knowledge (a large storage of all kinds), and the choice of problems that are pleasantly obsessive to oneself. It is a perfect addiction, except to the extent that it probably dismisses other important aspects of social life. Observation and study can be learned, and persistence can be practiced and can become automatic, but the abilities to associate aspects of knowledge in ways that were not part of one’s upbringing may be a genetic gift. Think of those who play the piano. But there is no reason to believe that one would choose “problems” that were not appealing unless there were a war or other social need that required one’s dominant attention. In general, the most creative results come with perspiration that is not even noticed. ... Bill Lynch, bandglynch@gmail.com
This is excellent an excellent post. I also did a double take on the OBummer and Holt quotes. I went to Roselle Catholic High School in which we were taught by the Marist Brother and like minded teachers and professors. They instilled in us the importance of Critical Thinking and careful deduction that has helped me throughout life and still guides me to this day. The school one sends their children too may be one of the most important decisions we can make for our children’s future as well as the country’s.
A young couple moved into a new house. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the washing outside.
“That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better detergent.”
Her husband looked on, remaining silent. Every time her neighbor hung her washing out to dry, the young woman made the same comments.
A month later, the young woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband,
“Look, she’s finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”
The husband replied, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”
And so it is with life … What we see when watching others depends on the clarity of the window through which we look. So don’t be too quick to judge others, especially if your perspective of life is clouded by anger, jealousy, negativity or unfulfilled desires.
"When you judge a person it doesn't define them. It defines you."
Also
"Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the statue" —
Excellent post. I love quotes! Although I kind of did a double take on the Obama & Holt quotes. Maybe they ought to read their own quotes. & I only use Alter.AI so also thanks for the confirmation.
One way to expand it is to learn about something outside of our niches / expertise.
Tina: Yes, indeed.
What is creativity? – W. T. Lynch
What precedes a creative act?
It can be said that anything that is intentionally done differently than it was done before is a creative act. It is creative to oneself at least. One knows zhe did something differently but it is probably truly creative only if zhe was intending to obtain a better result. If it was accidental, then it was accidental.
So, in the valuable sense, what are the important elements of being creative? Or of being designated as a “genius”? The story of Richard Feynman, in a book by James Gleick, gives a full life story; Gleick follows Feynman from his youth through to his triumphant explanations of quantum theory. As a youth, his father took him everywhere and Richard was always asking “Why?” These walks were explorations. But, after that, there was college study and heavy personal effort. Thomas Edison said that creativity is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration. That is just an exaggerated counter to the “Eureka” stories that turn creativity into something magical.
Here are the five important factors in being creative: curiosity/observation, persistence, associative skills, knowledge (a large storage of all kinds), and the choice of problems that are pleasantly obsessive to oneself. It is a perfect addiction, except to the extent that it probably dismisses other important aspects of social life. Observation and study can be learned, and persistence can be practiced and can become automatic, but the abilities to associate aspects of knowledge in ways that were not part of one’s upbringing may be a genetic gift. Think of those who play the piano. But there is no reason to believe that one would choose “problems” that were not appealing unless there were a war or other social need that required one’s dominant attention. In general, the most creative results come with perspiration that is not even noticed. ... Bill Lynch, bandglynch@gmail.com
Abraham Lincoln studied geometry to develop his critical thinking skills.
Dave: I didn't know that, but Abe is one of my idols.
wonderful and inspiring quotes. Gives one heart that there is some critical thinking going on out there!
Terry: Yes that is my take as well. Now we need to bring it to the masses...
yes, that's right. And we need to encourage people who can THINK critically to run for office which gives us a real choice to vote for!
Terry: Yes, but we need a populace that knows that when they see it, and appreciate the importance of such a person so that they vote for them.
agreed. I have hope if 80% of the population are for the Save America Act.
Awesome guidance.
Don: Agreed — if we pay attention.
John,
This is excellent an excellent post. I also did a double take on the OBummer and Holt quotes. I went to Roselle Catholic High School in which we were taught by the Marist Brother and like minded teachers and professors. They instilled in us the importance of Critical Thinking and careful deduction that has helped me throughout life and still guides me to this day. The school one sends their children too may be one of the most important decisions we can make for our children’s future as well as the country’s.
Mark: Good that you had a classical education!
Washing Windows, Age Old Morality Story
A young couple moved into a new house. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the washing outside.
“That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better detergent.”
Her husband looked on, remaining silent. Every time her neighbor hung her washing out to dry, the young woman made the same comments.
A month later, the young woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband,
“Look, she’s finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”
The husband replied, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”
And so it is with life … What we see when watching others depends on the clarity of the window through which we look. So don’t be too quick to judge others, especially if your perspective of life is clouded by anger, jealousy, negativity or unfulfilled desires.
"When you judge a person it doesn't define them. It defines you."
Also
"Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the statue" —
Excellent post. I love quotes! Although I kind of did a double take on the Obama & Holt quotes. Maybe they ought to read their own quotes. & I only use Alter.AI so also thanks for the confirmation.
Sheila: Yes, some interesting quotes from a few unexpected sources...