ReThinking Lin-Manuel Miranda Daydreams, and His Dad Gets Things Done
Jun 29, 2021
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the visionary behind Hamilton and In the Heights, is joined by his father, Luis A. Miranda Jr., a dedicated political strategist and activist. They explore the balance between creativity and productivity, discussing how Lin's curiosity sparked his groundbreaking musicals. The duo dives into themes of identity, representation, and the importance of daydreaming. They also tackle the dynamics of father-son collaboration and the evolving rhythm between work and life, emphasizing the creative power that can come from resting and reflecting.
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Early Signs of Creative Focus
- Lin-Manuel Miranda's father, Luis, hired him for a summer job but demoted him to data entry due to his selective focus.
- Lin-Manuel excelled at tasks he enjoyed but neglected others, showcasing a trait common among creative individuals.
Spiky Grades and Creativity
- Creative architects often have "spikier" grades, excelling in subjects of interest and neglecting others.
- This selective focus allows them to invest deeply in their passions, potentially fostering greater creativity.
Prioritizing Passion over Well-Roundedness
- Lin-Manuel Miranda's father encouraged him to take AP Statistics for well-roundedness, but Lin-Manuel prioritized his artistic pursuits.
- He wrote In the Heights during an astronomy class, demonstrating his dedication to creative endeavors.
