The Importance of Creativity

Although it has been several years since I was a student I can remember a number of situations in which teachers/instructors said we could use any method we chose to do our work as long as the final choice mirrored their way.

Their way frustrated me to no end. I couldn’t understand the need for demanding complete uniformity from all of us for any reason other than ego.

I am sure there were situations in which their way was the correct way to do it.  One can envision scenarios in which their way provided the foundation for understanding how to solve types of math problems or solutions for engineers.

But I can also remember debating with some of my science teachers about the need to follow protocol. They wanted things done a certain way and I argued that it was called an experiment for a reason. Maybe they said no because it was a safety issue or maybe it was for some other reason. Truth is that all these years later I don’t remember.

What I am certain of is the importance and need for creativity. Sir Ken’s talk is one that speaks to me because I agree with what he says and would like to see a greater emphasis placed upon creativity.

Creativity is one of the driving forces in advancing technology that improves our lives in every area. The ability to see possibilities and to try to figure out how to turn those possibilities into something more than thought is of exceptional value.

There was a time when people thought that polio was incurable and the moon unreachable. We now those beliefs to be false.

Creativity is a big part of the reasons why this is so.

What do you think?