Problem-Solving:

Creativity
http://vimeo.com/2030361
Creativity: What is it?
Technological Innovations
Revolutionary Ideas
Artistic Expressions
There may be as many
narrow definitions of
creativity as there are
people who think about
creativity. Our book
Creativity from My Childhood: The
Neverending Story!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDHBZlSNO6w

This scene features one of the heroes of the film Atreyu confronting an
evil being, Gmork, who helps the Nothing (a force that is destroying
Fantasia) become more powerful. It may seem primarily directed to
children, however the creator of the film (which is based on a book) used
fantasy/imagination to relay deeper spiritual and political meaning life and
human nature.
How would
YOU define
creativity?
Some General Definitions:

The process of producing something that is both
original and worthwhile.

The experience of thinking, reacting, and working in
an imaginative and idiosyncratic way which is
characterized by a high degree of innovation and
originality, divergent thinking, and risk taking.

A mental process involving the discovery of new
ideas or concepts, or new associations of the existing
ideas or concepts, fueled by the process of either
conscious or unconscious insight.

Using imagination and expressing oneself in art
forms.

Yes, butnot all is positive.













1940s Nazi anti-Semitic film poster

Creativity can be a Force of
Destruction


Eugenics - Accepted as science in Nazi Germany
The Atomic Bomb Creative?


Evolutionary: Creative ideas evolve as
organisms do. Occurs as outcome of a
process of variation and selective
retention. It may be an emergent
property of increased intelligence.


Religious/Spiritual: Every human has the
capacity to make things, to create,
because we are all made in the image of a
creative God. Our creative capacity
reflects the Creator.
Creativity is present across cultures
and largely recognized as being
unique to humans.

So, why do we feel this creative
impulse? A Few Different
Perspectives (not mutually
exclusive!):
people not create or innovate?
-Abraham Maslow, American psychologist



The key question isnt What fosters
creativity? But it is Why in Gods name isnt
everyone creative? Where was the human
potential lost? How was it crippled? I think
therefore a good question might be not why
do people create? But why do people not
create or innovate?
-Abraham Maslow, American psychologist
Creativity: Innate But Nurtured

Jean Piaget Experiment

Responses to Parental Praise

Early Life of Mozart


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1
BueycmmoQ&NR=1
Are Our Schools Ruining
Creativity?




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AfN5EiUIg




Schools have crushed creativity. We were told to color within the
lines. We were taught to follow instructions. The goal in
school is to get the right answer. Unfortunately, if youre afraid to be
wrong, youll never be creative or original.
Characteristics of Creative People

Its How Much you Produce: Divergent Production

Its What You Know Creative people distinguished by expertise and
commitment.

Its Who You Are Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation

Its Where You Are Right place, right time

Its All of the Above - Synthesis
















Leonardo Da Vinci Prolific Creator
What Creativity is NOT:


Boredom No passion

Apathy No concern

Conformity No courage

Passivity No action

Selfishness No love
The selfishness must be discovered and understood before it can be removed. It is
powerless to remove itself, neither will it pass away of itself. Darkness ceases only when
light is introduced; so ignorance can only be dispersed by Knowledge; selfishness by
Love. James Allen, New Zealander Statesman
Ways to Ignite Your Creative Spark:
1. Ask questions
2. Challenge assumptions
3. Find a passion
4. Practice your art
5. Seek new experiences
6. Keep a notebook and pencil on hand at all times
7. Gain confidence in who you are




If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a
fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.

- William Wilberforce, a creative leader of the movement to abolish slavery;
motivated by passion for justice














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