What is Creativity?

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Creativity is the latest philosophical question of our days. It has been resisting definitions since its discovery, even though there are several books and manuals trying to present visions on the subject.

Creativity by itself is a paradox: It is a word that defines an action that is not necessarily definable yet. But the point here is not to define it, but rather to highlight the need to study it further. Creativity is still an unexplored field that holds many mysteries about human nature.

What we know about Creativity is still a trembling shadow on the wall of Plato’s cave. In order to understand it a little, we should observe it from several points of view. These observations will provide us with a basis for comparing the different views of Creativity, which serve as a starting point to demonstrate the vast repertoire of ideas that together try to explain the creative phenomenon.

These definitions are not always clear and objective, so a few people give up seeking for a more adequate answer. Unfortunately, they end up adopting as truth the common sense perspectives, exposed as “how-to” by supposed “Creative gurus”. To say the least, not a very creative decision.

You can not think about Creativity without being creative.

Creativity requires understanding. Of all the points to consider, the most important are necessity and limitation. The need, however uncertain, shows us the goal we want to achieve, driving the flow of creative thinking. Limitation in the other hand, as the name itself says, slows down our creative flow by giving us rules to be followed or broken. Limitation can look like a bad thing, but defining boundaries allows us to explore new possibilities.

These “rules” can work today, but nothing guarantees that they will work tomorrow. Creativity always challenges the “how-to” of doing something. It pushes us beyond the possible, allowing the evolution of the human imagination.

Create limitations is create endless possibilities.

It isn’t enough to know the facts, we have to understand and analyze the essence of Creativity. As result, this reflection will improve our quality of life, both in the personal (where the novelty is only for you, but not for the group) and social scope (where creation is unprecedented for the group).

Therefore, we need to look for new horizons in Creativity: there are no definitive rules. Explore Creativity is to explore the unknown.

As long as there is doubt, there will be Creativity.