Don’t Try to Be Creative

Summary

The article suggests that true creativity lies not in inventing something entirely new, but in combining existing elements in unique ways, much like how atoms combine to form diverse matter.

Abstract

The author reflects on a quote from Sun Tzu, which illustrates that limitless possibilities can arise from a finite set of elements, whether they be musical notes, colors, or tastes. Drawing a parallel to the Periodic Table, the article posits that all matter is a result of the combination of atoms, and similarly, creativity is about presenting familiar concepts in novel ways. It emphasizes that uniqueness is found in re-envisioning the ordinary, much like how different arrangements of hydrogen and oxygen can result in life-sustaining water or harmful hydrogen peroxide. The article encourages readers to embrace their individuality and share their unique perspectives to offer fresh insights, rather than striving for groundbreaking creativity.

Opinions

Creativity is often mistakenly pursued as the invention of something entirely new, which the author considers futile.
The author believes that creativity is actually about presenting familiar ideas in a unique manner, akin to viewing a diamond from different angles to reveal new facets.
The article suggests that each person's life experiences and stories are like facets of a diamond, possessing unique elements that contribute to their individuality.
The author advises against the pressure to be creative in the traditional sense and instead advocates for embracing one's unique message and viewpoint.
The article implies that the combinations of basic elements, whether in nature or in creative endeavors, can lead to a vast array of outcomes, each with its own value and purpose.

Instead, be unique

I came across this quotation from Sun Tzu recently, and it resonated with me.

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever be seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.”— Sun Tzu, The Art of War

We all strive so hard to be creative and come up with something new and wonderful, but isn’t this a futile pursuit? I remember the first time I saw the Periodic Table, and Sr. Bridget Marie told us that all matter in the universe other than energy is composed of unique combinations of these 100+atoms. How they combine and change determines what they become.

When atoms of hydrogen and oxygen come together in a unique manner, we get water, which we all need for life. However, another combination of hydrogen and oxygen forms hydrogen peroxide — something that the National Poison Control Central warns us not to drink.

Creativity isn’t discovering something new; it’s presenting something familiar in a unique, interesting, even intriguing way. Turn a diamond to see a new, different facet. It’s still the same, old diamond, but we’re seeing it in a new light, a new angle.

Our stories and life circumstances are like the facets of a diamond — sparkle, light, shadow, clarity, and even flaws. Forget trying to be creative; instead, search for what makes you unique, the unique message that only you can share to help others see things in a new way.