Defining Creativity

The Oxford English Dictionary suggests:
The Oxford English Dictionary suggests: "The ability to create". Fantastic! The Heritage Illustrated Dictionary is a little more helpful: "Characterized by originality and expressiveness, imaginative". So we can start to see some of the characteristics of creativity.

Here are some much more interesting quotes:

"Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction". Picasso

My interpretation of this quote is the need to break down our barriers to creativity: preconceptions, fears, being trapped by 'rules' and unwilling to be frivolous, foolish and play with ideas that may take us to a solution.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Einstein

This quote suggests some of the 'ingredients': imaginative thinking is most important (in Einstein's view!) but there is a need for knowledge too.

And we came across this great quote:

"Creativity is knowledge times imagination times evaluation. And I say 'times' because if either knowledge, imagination or evaluation is missing then there would be no creativity." David C. Morrison

This really works well, because it suggests that creativity, and being creative, is a kind of process:

First, you have to be knowledgeable on the subject. Fill yourself with understanding. Second, use imaginative or creative thinking to generate ideas Third, and finally, take time to evaluate

We have more information on brainstorming, in our 'Creative Thinking' section that provides one approach to undertaking this creative process.

And finally, a further quote from David C. Morrison:

"Also looking on to what innovation is, innovation is knowledge times imagination times evaluation times action. Because my belief is without action there is no innovation or no applied creativity."

About the Author

BuildingBrands offers practical marketing 'know how' for business owners and managers. Whether you are a one-man start-up, or already running a medium-sized company, BuildingBrands can help you unlock your potential.

Other Articles:

Stimulate Creativity and Learning
What does cultivating creativity add to the workplace and your business? The benefits are huge but are often underestimated by most people. Companies who wish to progress quickly and stay ahead need to stimulate creativity and learning among their...
Discover Your Talent and Creativity...
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Are you an undiscovered writer? Is there an artist inside you just itching to be let out? Do you see a musician in your...
A Winning Combination: Creativity, Competence and Diligence!
Lee Wise, 2002 Here's a winning combination for successful living: creativity, compensation and diligence. Master these and you will be well on your way to mastering the demands of life! CREATIVITY Creativity says, "I'll research, discover,...
Creativity And Motivation
Motivation in creativity and innovation is more important than personality traits. This is like possessing high intelligence one must be motivated to improve and apply it. It is compelling that motivation and creative output are positively...