Exploring the fascination with creativity as a cult object, historical and political dimensions of creativity, interconnected roles of creators and consumers, identity shift to modern creators, and rethinking creativity's role in society for holistic advancement.
Creativity is intertwined with cultural, political, and economic structures, shaping our relationship with the concept.
Individual conceptions of creativity can lead to a more inclusive societal landscape benefiting all.
Deep dives
Emergence of Creativity as a Cult Object
Creativity has become a pervasive concept in various aspects of life, described almost religiously by proponents. It is viewed as intrinsic to an individual's being, echoing religious beliefs in its existential and transcendent significance. The history of the discourse on creativity reveals a relatively recent explosion of interest, particularly post-1950, influenced by Cold War dynamics, consumer-driven economy, and a shift towards valuing creativity in the job market.
The Intersection of Creativity and Power Systems
The fascination with creativity intertwines with cultural, political, and economic structures, shaping our relationship with the concept. Creativity is not a universal experience but is mediated by factors like class, race, gender, education, and disability. The emergence of the creative person as a distinct identity reflects a complex interplay with systems of power, leading to distinctions in economic status and potential erosion of solidarity among workers.
Reimagining Creativity for Collective Progress
Despite the entanglement of creativity with systems that it seeks to resist, there is space for critical reflection on individual conceptions of creativity and its societal implications. Encouraging a reconsideration of traditional values like entrepreneurship and self-expression, creativity can be viewed as a tool among many for constructing a more inclusive social, political, and economic landscape that benefits all. This reevaluation invites a shift towards prioritizing communication, care, and maintenance alongside creativity in defining our societal values.
Good luck going anywhere today without running into a message about creativity.
I was going to say, "anywhere online," but really, it's just about anywhere. We get creative in the kitchen. Creative in our workouts. Creative in bed. And of course, creative at work. Creativity is somewhat of a "cult object," as Samuel Franklin put it in his cultural history of creativity.
Today, I want to get uncomfortably close to that cult object and ask, "What is our fascination with creativity hiding?" So join me as I venture onto the third rail of the 21st-century economy.
Find an essay version of this episode at whatworks.fyi
***
I'm teaching a new workshop on May 15 & 16, 2024! It's called World-Building for Business Owners, and it's based on a process I've been honing for more than a decade. I'll help you apply creative, even playful thinking to your business strategy—and help you create an internally consistent business that causes fewer headaches, meets your needs more efficiently, plays to your strengths, and creates satisfying work.