‘Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences than other people.’
I thought I’d post a quote today. It struck me as interesting as I believe strongly in the first part and disagree with the last part. I’ve often looked at my need to create as more of a need to problem solve. For me, writing or painting is equivalent to completing a complex mathematical problem -only my brain isn’t wired for math (nearly failed actually!).
Being creative is a challenge and that’s what attracts me. The learning and personal growth I experience keeps me coming back. I think part of it is that I get bored easily, so I start to find ways to entertain myself. I challenge myself to stay engaged with something – anything and when I’m being creative, I get to define what that anything is.
Why do I disagree with the last part? I don’t think creativity has anything to do with experience. As a kid, I often felt compelled to draw or paint or organize things (another problem solving equivalent), and I had little or no experiences at that point in time. Yes, the wider your knowledge base, the more things you will recognize and connect but it doesn’t mean the process functions differently based on life experience.
So what do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Have a totally different view altogether? Share your thoughts in comments or share your creative themed post in the Mr. Linky below.
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Perhaps you could think of it as inner experience. Many creative people spend a lot of time in their own worlds, daydreaming, idle drawing, making up stories- and in that way they are drawing connections that others do not. I also believe it is this quiet time in one’s own company that creates your distinct and individual inner voice- a necessity to the creative spirit.
In today’s world, where there is a constant and distracting hum of TV, video games, and hectic schedules, I think many people lack the time and the inclination to listen to that inner monologue and develop that inner experience; and that this is why being “creative” is seen as different and exciting; they are tapping inner reserves that other people never established.
Excellent question. I enjoyed thinking this one over.
First of all, I have to say that I have been remiss. I’m a subscriber but have been lax about visiting and there’s just no excuse for it. Yours is a wonderful blog and I do so love your posts.
BUT, Steve’s quote is what brought me out of the woodwork as I am a confirmed Steve groupie. Coincidentally, I agree with him after much thought about it. I think the process of creativity IS directly influenced by experiences.
To me, the imperative thought is that creative people are able to CONNECT and SYNTHESIZE. The process is different for each person but if I am unable to do those two things, it’s due to lack of exposure. I can’t connect a singular event or singular thought.
I agree with Robin. I almost agree with the fact that creative people experience more in life, but what about those that pick up creativity from a young age? Would you attribute their creativity to some other influence in their lives? A mother? Grandmother? Aunt?
I honestly think that some people just have a knack for creativity while others have to learn it over time.
Really interesting quote! Definitely something to think about….
I totally agree with you regarding the second part. I don’t think creativity is a result of life experiences, but – like you said – the more experiences you have the more you have to draw on. Interesting quote.
I agree – I actually think experience is often a barrier to creativity.
Wow! Some fascinating opinions here!
Robin – yes, it is mostly an inner experience for me too, as an introvert, most things I do are an inner experience. You’re making complete sense to me!
Lizzie – Thanks for coming by
mannequin – Thanks so much for your kind words! Come by whenever you feel like it but I’m happy just to be in your reader. You have an interesting viewpoint and have given me something to think about!
Jenean – It’s interesting that you mention some people learn to be creative. I agree with that…it’s something that can be learned with practice.
Leah – thanks!
Petulaw – we are like minded aren’t we?
Keely – that’s very interesting as well. You guys have my brain racing!
Too much to do, too little time to do it in. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to this again this week. Will try for next week.
I think the most difficult thing about being creative is letting yourself go. I find that I’m always editing, restricting, changing, reflecting, and then doing each of these again out of fear that my creativity will be rejected. Picasso once said that he wished he could draw like a child because children are unrestricted–they just let their creativity be, and the results are always genius because it’s unrestricted and free. And I find, in watching my children, that he is right. My 6-year-old can draw anything… of course, it looks like a child drew it, but she can draw Elmo in one stroke… no erasing. No thinking about it. It’s Elmo–see his eyes, his nose, his hands and feet? Yep, that’s him as I see it. Doesn’t matter if YOU don’t see it. That, I admire about my little one. I strive to accept my creativity for what it is–Me, no restrictions. Hate it or love it.
Cool question. Creativity definately comes from within. I think everybody's born with it. Some just feel the urge to create right away, while others need to take in stimuli first & then distill it into their own version I think