Creativity: John Cleese & Scientific American

While “creativity” is difficult to define, it seems fairly certain that something of the sort exists. We know little of its origins, but can observe the environments in which it thrives. Here is John Cleese’s take on it:

Cleese successfully outlines “the 5 factors that you can arrange to make your lives more creative”. Here are the bits that resonate most with the Core:

While you’re being creative, nothing is wrong. There’s no such thing as a mistake, and any drivel may lead to the breakthrough.

The very essence of playfulness is an openness to anything that may happen, the feeling that whatever happens, it’s okay… you’re either free to play, or you’re not.

If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.

Scientific American released a related article in 2011 titled ‘The Unleashed Mind: Why Creative People Are Eccentric’. Here is a preview:

People who are highly creative often have odd thoughts and behaviors—and vice versa.

Both creativity and eccentricity may be the result of genetic variations that increase cognitive disinhibition—the brain’s failure to filter out extraneous information.

When unfiltered information reaches conscious awareness in the brains of people who are highly intelligent and can process this information without being overwhelmed, it may lead to exceptional insights and sensations.

Whatever “creativity” really is, it has an important role in human evolution. Stay creative!

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