Quantum Creativity

Here’s an interesting perspective on creativity:

“Creativity is a discontinuous, non-algorithmic quantum jump from one pattern of thinking into a completely new one.

“It is a quantum leap – from one pattern to another without progressing through incremental steps in between. All great creative advances in the world’s of art, music, architecture, or science represent new leaps of imagination that could not have been predicted on the basis of the prevailing patterns.

“Once the creative leap is made, be it Einstein’s theory of relativity, Picasso’s cubism, or music by the Beatles, the world is forever changed…”

- Amit Goswami, author of “Quantum Creativity”

Of course, conceptual descriptions can only go so far in describing a process that is innately non-conceptual… perhaps even instinctual. Whether or not I happen to feel creative, none of us is ever far from the elemental creativity that created the universe, because each of us is a unique expression of this. Although this is perfectly obvious, this awareness can also be perfectly elusive sometimes. So whether or not we happen to feel creative at a given moment, the important thing for all creatives is to keep our creative tools close and to practice frequently, so that when the creative energies start to build, we’re able to grab our favorite tools and be carried off by them – beyond ourselves and our preconceived ideas and intentions – and carried into the the current of the creative force, off into the creative unknown.

Today’s post by Seth Godin neatly ties into this topic of the barrier- and category-leaping nature of creativity, although he shifts the focus from the creative process to the leap required to actually ship our creative products. This part of the equation is very important, and all creatives would benefit by paying attention to it… particularly those who are just getting into the swing of consistently shipping their creativity out into the world. I suggest checking out his post. He talks about leaping beyond the need for support to ship our world-changing art.

[One of my favorite lines from his recent awesome book (which I highly recommend), "Linchpin," is something to the effect of, "Don't just be an idea person. Be an idea-shipping person."]

Back to the quantum creative force. I openly confess to being madly in love with and passionately devoted to this. And so here’s an attempt to give visual expression to this force, which I feel created and sustains the universe, of which we are intimate and essential parts:

If you’d like to continue to explore the subject of creativity with me, check out “Creative Powerhouse.” Who’s a creative powerhouse? You are. [More about this after the jump.]