Creativity vs. Literacy?
I recently expressed my need for a holiday to a colleague, and he snapped back, “Adrian, your whole life is a holiday!” Honestly, he could not have paid me a greater compliment! Indeed, many people, especially business associates, are surprised when they find out how much time and energy I devote to my hobbies. And yes, I must confess that I have an additional mistress beyond music – Golf.
But when it comes to my music, the second question I’m usually asked is: “What are you intending to do with it?” Meaning, do I aspire to make money from it. Answer: No. You’ll have to forgive my friends for giving my so-called potential far more credit than deserved… But from these conversations, I grow increasingly concerned about the dismissal of developing and maintaining personal creativity.
So no, my hobbies are not just about enjoyment, and they are definitely not about chasing dreams; nor are they about making more money… Music and golf, my lifetime mistresses, are my creativity sources – and I wouldn’t trade these pursuits for anything – especially more education. Besides, academia – the pursuit of knowledge – is highly inflated these days (even a lazy guy like me managed to earn two degrees). To be clear, I’m not encouraging anyone to abandon education; but I am challenging you to consider its relevancy in the grand scheme. And yes I believe creativity is equally as important to, if not more so than, literacy for developing long-term success and happiness.
Imagination is more important than knowledge – Albert Einstein…
Creativity requires two things: time and the absence of fear. Yet, the rhythm of modern society not only robs us of our “free time” (which, by the way, you need in order to think), but moreover instills fear of failure. So is it any wonder that innovation, the product of creativity, suffers? I trust you can connect the dots to appreciate the broader social and economic implications… But just in case, I wanted to share a presentation from one of my favorite authors and cultural visionaries: Sir Ken Robinson.
Thankfully the sponsors of the TED Conference both encourage and permit the sharing of this video. Highly recommended viewing for over bearing parents and/or stressed-out over achievers…
If ever there was time when creativity was necessary for the survival and growth of humanity, it is now! So if any of you get similar questions about the time and energy you devote to your craft(s)… you can either direct them to Sir Ken Robinson for a very dignified explanation, or continue to respond with the most convenient “Verbal Chord Progression” – in the key of F – of course!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hello,
Why choose between literacy and creativity at all? Language, music, ideas, intimacy, self-determination, poetry, graffiti ….literacy can take us closer to ourselves and to others.
LIke any subject literacy can be stuffed down our throats and weilded as a bloody axe, but vital acts of literacy, that we remember and are changed by…they exist too.
Just saw Sir K’s video, and he is charming and funny…but saying we have to choose between literacy and creativty is a false extremist choice. Not true. not true. How about creative literacy? Literacy creatively?
August 4th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hi Suzanne,
I figured this one might generate a bit of controversy! I’d like to think that the message here is neither meant to be extremist nor an “either-or”, but a challenge to recognize the value of creative pursuits. Clearly, these tracks have continually dwindled from our public education system, and I share Sir K’s opinion that grave social and economic consequences are resulting.
I think the message that he’s attempting to convey is that we’re “educating ourselves out of creativity” and possibly excluding some very gifted people along the way. But, I really like your challenge of Creative Literacy! I just don’t believe creativity can be taught; I believe that it evolves differently for everyone and from different stimuli. The only common denominator (at least in my observation) is that it is always experiential – without strict guidelines – and the irony is that it comes about from the doing the things that children do so naturally – Playing.
Appreciate you taking the time to comment !!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:52 am
I stumble across alot of blogs out there and most are lame.. But this is definitely worth reading.