The Stephen Mansfield Podcast The Creativity Crisis
May 7, 2025
Creativity is on the decline, largely due to our over-scheduled, over-stimulated lives. The podcast delves into how social media and distractions are stifling imagination across various industries. Surprising insights reveal that boredom can actually spark creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace unstructured time. Additionally, the music industry's stagnation despite technological advancements highlights the urgent need to nurture creativity for personal and societal growth.
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Creativity Decline Since 1990s
- Creativity has been declining since the 1990s according to the Torrance test scores analysis.
- The decline correlates with the rise of social media and digital devices increasing overstimulation and busyness.
Boredom Boosts Creativity
- Constant busyness and overstimulation prevent the mental boredom needed for creativity.
- Creativity surfaces when the brain is free and allowed to wander during periods of low stimulation.
Best Work From Downtime
- Stephen wrote his best book after a season of downtime filled with travel and reflection.
- He credits long periods of thinking time and inspired boredom for his creative breakthroughs.