Renowned artist Ai Weiwei, inventor James Dyson, legendary musician Elvis Costello, acclaimed author Jennifer Egan, singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and noted illustrator Maira Kalman discuss creativity. Topics include the rise of creativity as a lifestyle movement, defining and measuring creativity, the influence of external factors, establishing expertise, creativity in various fields, and the many facets of creativity.
Creativity extends beyond the arts and can be seen in various fields of human activity such as science, coding, cooking, and gardening.
There is a nuanced relationship between creativity and mental illness, with different rates depending on the type of creativity and the constraints within which individuals operate.
Deep dives
Defining Creativity
Creativity is a broad phenomenon that extends beyond the arts and can exist in any realm of human activity. It is about doing something novel and valuable that works. It can be seen in fields like science, coding, cooking, sports, and even in everyday activities like gardening or creating a unique recipe.
The Study of Creativity
Creativity can be studied scientifically without detracting from its magic. Scholars from various disciplines, including psychology and economics, have approached the study of creativity differently. Some focus on defining creativity as novelty that works, while others explore the personality traits, life experiences, and external factors that contribute to creative thinking.
The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Illness
There is a nuanced relationship between creativity and mental illness. While there is evidence of higher rates of mental illness among creative individuals, it depends on the type of creativity and the constraints within which they operate. Scientists, who work within more structured and defined domains, tend to have lower rates of mental illness compared to visual artists and writers, who have higher rates. However, creativity itself can also be a marker of good mental health.
Striving for Creativity
Everyone has reason to sharpen their creative abilities, as doing things differently in ways that work leads to human progress. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cultivating creativity, exploring the biographies and experiences of creative individuals can provide insights. Creativity can be fostered through commitment, determination, and the drive to think outside the box in pursuit of novel and valuable ideas.
There are thousands of books on the subject, but what do we actually know about creativity? In this new series, we talk to the researchers who study it as well as artists, inventors, and pathbreakers who live it every day: Ai Weiwei, James Dyson, Elvis Costello, Jennifer Egan, Rosanne Cash, Wynton Marsalis, Maira Kalman, and more. (Ep. 1 of the “How to Be Creative” series.)
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