Jonah Lehrer: The Science of Creativity is Instinctive

st_lehrer_f.jpg

Author and Wired editor Jonah Lehrer joined DraftFCB‘s Director of Strategic Planning Matthew Willcox to discuss the science of creativity, specifically what triggers it and whether it can be honed.

One major problem we have with creativity reveals itself in linguistics: we talk about it like it’s singular, but it’s plural. Our job is to think creatively the right way at the right time, applying the appropriate mental tools to the task at hand.

To understand the different facets of creativity, it helps to know what precedes a moment of insight: alpha waves, closely associated with states of relaxation. Walking to the beach, taking a shower, daydreaming — doing something you really like doing, in other words — is what makes it possible for your mind to arrive at what we traditionally understand to be creative epiphanies.

The logic is simple. When we’re not relaxed, we’re too focused, we produce both physical and mental tensions. Tension only restricts and builds upon itself, stifling any semblance of insight before it can even be born.

Read the rest on Yahoo! Scene.

Picture of Steve Hall

Steve Hall

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

8 behaviors of men who have no genuine friends to lean on

8 behaviors of men who have no genuine friends to lean on

Global English Editing

10 signs someone is actually not a kind person, even if they seem nice on the surface

10 signs someone is actually not a kind person, even if they seem nice on the surface

Global English Editing

10 things people do at parties that quietly reveal they’re desperate for validation, according to psychology

10 things people do at parties that quietly reveal they’re desperate for validation, according to psychology

Global English Editing

The art of discipline: 8 daily habits of successful people who always move forward in life

The art of discipline: 8 daily habits of successful people who always move forward in life

Global English Editing

7 things all successful people outgrow once they hit 40, says psychology

7 things all successful people outgrow once they hit 40, says psychology

Global English Editing

People who stay single by choice often exhibit these 9 distinctive traits, according to psychology

People who stay single by choice often exhibit these 9 distinctive traits, according to psychology

Global English Editing