Understanding the Mind
Inspired (Pt. 6)
EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION
Creativity does not require genius. In the sixth installment based on Matt Richtel’s Inspired: Understanding Creativity: A Journey Through Art, Science, and the Soul, Doug presents research showing that average intelligence can be enough. Neuroscientists are still mapping where ideas are generated and assessed, while psychologists point to qualities that can be developed — especially openness and curiosity — as at least as important as raw talent.
A Note on the Original Text
Doug’s writings are presented as originally written. Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical irregularities have been retained to preserve his words and the integrity of the original record.
ORIGINAL WRITING
The title of this post is identical to the title of a book by Matt Richtel. The subtitle is Understanding Creativity A Journey Through Art, Science, and the Soul.
“These are among the subjects I hope to illuminate:
NEUROSCIENTISTS HAVE have begun to use imaging to map the brains of creators and understand the regions where ideas get generated and where they are assessed. Spoiler alert. There is a long way go.
PSYCHOLOGISTS HAVE increasingly refined personality models to improve prevailing traits in creators, including the critical insight that creativity does not require one to be of particular high intellect. It’s good news for many of us: Average intelligence will do! Raw talent accounts to a point. Of equal importance, if not greater, are qualities that can be developed, like openness and curiosity.