I started this blog using Creativity as explained by Creativity scholar Mihalyi Csikszentmihaly as my working definition. Csikszentmihalyi says,
Creativity is any act, idea, or product that changes an existing domain, or that transforms an existing domain into a new one.
And,
The definition of a creative person is: someone whose thoughts or actions change a domain, or establish a new domain…a domain cannot be changed without explicit or implicit consent of a field responsible for it.
Now in the spirit of revision I question Csikszentmihalyi’s definition. Does it encapsulate all I’ve learned about Creativity during this past year?
How about you? What is your definition of Creativity? Check out the four definitions below and see if any fit your worldview.
Any act, idea, or product that changes an existing domain, or that transforms an existing domain into a new one with explicit or implicit consent of the field responsible for it. (Used by M. Csikszentmihalyi)
Makings things from scratch. (Used by Twyla Tharp– choreographer)
Building on and with the works of others. (If I have seen further, it is only because I stand on the shoulders of giants.– Isaac Newton).
Self-expression with no editing. (Expressing with precision all the gold sparks the soul gives off. –Joan Miro, painter)
None of the above definitions ring true for you? Then write a new definition in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you!
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Filed under: creativity, Defining Creativity, General Theory of Creativity, Idea Sharing, Ideas Tagged: | Csikszentmihalyi, Defining Creativity, what is creativity
Has to be new or an offshoot of something established in a new way. I think it also must be to a large degree unplanned, an epiphany. For example my creativity for my cartoons, I don’t know where the ideas come from. So it is more than thinking. It is as a receptacle that is open to thoughts from some external source. Then we take it and run with it.
I think you’re right. A moment of new insight is unplanned. If you already know the answer to your question– it’s not Creativity.
Thanks for commenting, Carl.
Creativity is the ability to respond to or manipulate your environment in unusual, unique or innovative ways and to perceive the world from different perspectives. It makes the connection between imagination and the real world through the hands, the head and the heart. It enables people to ask questions and identify problems and respond to them in unique ways, both practical and theoretical (abstract, imaginary, conjectural, speculative). It underpins all aspects of human endeavour and is essential to human survival. Creativity is not one concept but its meaning is contextualised within the experience and expertise of an individual or group.
Yes! Imagination and the real world connect– I really like your wording there. Also, I think Creativity has to contain an element of philosophy (theory, etc).
So, maybe Creativity is a system? Maybe even an emergent system?
Thanks for commenting!
i like that too
TY for saying so!
I haven’t spent as much time as you have figuring this out, but if I can dip my toe into the pool, I would say that creative processes are so complex that defining it at all is difficult. Our minds take in so much stimuli, process it, and express something back out, some of it completely original, some of it only slight, but amazing, tweaks of what has happened before. Working with children, I have observed that creative voices cannot be defined to what set of actions or products. A child who is completely un-expressive in music or art class, will be on the field, making up variations on ways to kick a soccer ball or tricks to do on the swings. It’s this dynamic of taking stuff in, then putting stuff out there that makes up the core of creativity.
Defining Creativity is very difficult– you’re right about that. I’ve been thinking of different processes that might be similar to the Creative process, like metabolism in living systems or the birth of a thought from the unconscious to insight to workable language. But still I seem to have nothing to hold– a product, a definition to work with. So my question now is, if Creativity cannot be defined (at least by me at this point in time) then how can you study it?
I loved your comment about us taking stimuli in, processing it and expressing something back out, something original sometimes only a slight tweak. Well said.
Thanks for commenting, Wendy!