[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Have you heard of Howard Gardner\u2019s model of Multiple Intelligences? In Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences<\/em> (1983), Gardner proposed that intelligence is not a single entity but rather a set of distinct abilities or intelligences. His model now includes eight types of intelligence: 1) linguistic, 2) logical-mathematical, 3) spatial, 4) musical, 5) kinesthetic, 6) interpersonal, 7) intrapersonal, and 8) naturalistic.<\/p>\n Creativity is a kind of intelligence. At least, that\u2019s the only thing that makes sense to me. Although Gardener did not list creativity as a type of intelligence, it\u2019s difficult to understand creativity other than as a type of intelligence. Creativity is a category that exists across many kinds of intelligence.<\/p>\n Naturally, other researchers have different models of intelligence. In his \u201cTriarchic Theory of Intelligence,\u201d Robert Sternberg does list creativity<\/em> as a component or form of intelligence. His three types of intelligence are:<\/p>\n Here is the thing about models. Many different models can all make sense at the same time. Models can only attempt to capture the truth. What is creativity? That\u2019s what we are trying to figure out.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Diverg & Fields” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|14px|14px|14px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What is creativity? So far, we have concluded it\u2019s a type of intelligence that relates to many different types of intelligence. When thinking about all the different types of creative people in many different fields, I\u2019ve concluded that \u201cDivergent Thinking\u201d may be the key trait.<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0 Ideas:<\/span> <\/strong>The ability to generate many ideas and different types of ideas related to a topic.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0 Perspectives:<\/span><\/strong> The ability to think, see, or perceive differently, aka thinking outside the box.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0 Connections:<\/span><\/strong> The ability to make unique or novel connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.<\/p>\n Every field has domain-specific traits of creativity. But what do creative people across various fields have in common? Here is a brief list:<\/p>\n They:<\/span><\/strong> 1) Question things, 2) See things differently, 3) See things at a deeper level, 4) Grasp the essence, 5) Consider possibilities, 6) Generate ideas, 7) Experiment, 8) Accept failures as a part of the process, 9) See through the clutter, 10) Make connections, 11) Use good judgment or intuition, 12) Use flexibility in their thinking, 13) Use outside-the-box thinking, and 14) Use reflective thinking.<\/p>\n Once again, we are looking at what we might consider the qualities or traits of creativity. Consider the various fields below. We could go through history and find examples of people who were creative geniuses in all of these different fields.<\/p>\n Are or were any of these people creative?<\/span><\/strong> 1) Van Gogh, 2) Steve Jobs, 3) J.K. Rowling, 4) Thomas Edison, 5) Mozart, 6) Gandhi, 7) Miles Davis, 8) Leonardo da Vince, 9) Shakespeare, 10) Marie Curie, 11) Muhammad Ali, 12) Temple Grandin, 13) Kim Kardashian, 14) Chris Rock, 15) Steven Spielberg, 16) Abraham Lincoln, 17) Michael Jordan.<\/p>\n Obviously, we could keep this list going. Could any of these people do or achieve what another one did? In most cases, no. Their types of intelligence are quite different.<\/p>\n Here is a list of words and phrases that describe varying degrees and aspects of human ability and intelligence. Although I don\u2019t present this list as a hierarchy, it\u2019s reasonable to put creative genius at the top of this list.<\/p>\n Who is a genius? Who is a creative genius? Who is just lucky or highly skilled? Most people let their opinions cloud their judgment on this topic. Armchair athletes give no credit to people who change the world (for good or bad) as if they could themselves. On the other hand, people also put others up on a pedestal when it is really just one small aspect of them that deserves to be up on that pedestal.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nature Nurture” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”14px|14px|14px|14px|true|true” border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”#1258b2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We are all born with gifts and personalities. Often, the gifts and personalities seem intertwined. Are these gifts and personalities nature, nurture, or both? Well, at conception, it\u2019s nature. But it becomes a process of nature and nurture even while we are in the womb. After we are born, nature and nurture continue to be. The gifts and personalities we are born with are not necessarily the ones we end up with. Who doesn\u2019t know that?<\/p>\n Multiple intelligences and creativity are among those intelligences that are a part of these gifts and personalities. They are all influenced by and transformed through nature and nurture. That\u2019s my simplified interpretation of the science using what I see as common sense.<\/p>\n Point Being: Here you are with whatever creative abilities you have. Can you change your creative abilities? Yes. And these changes will continue to be an issue of nature and nurture. So, let\u2019s take a look at both aspects.<\/p>\n Nature:<\/span><\/strong> The simplest version of nature is that you are your decisions. Yes, you can change your nature, but it\u2019s one decision at a time. Put simply, your nature is only your current nature. Many factors influence our current nature: 1) genetic inheritance, 2) current health, 3) current biological processes, 3) current abilities, 4) current temperament, 5) current mental health, 6) current neurological wiring, 7) current overall mindset, 8) current social skills, 9) current level of various types of multiple intelligences, etc.<\/p>\n Nurture:<\/span><\/strong> Life teaches us. That\u2019s nurture. Strangely, different people learn different lessons from the same experiences due to differences in our natures. Here are various aspects of life that nurture us both good and bad: 1) family, 2) friends, 3) life experiences, 4) physical environment, 5) healthcare, 6) education, 7) learning, 8) cultural influences, 9) socioeconomic influences, etc.<\/p>\n Improving one\u2019s creativity is no easy task. Learning techniques, strategies, and concepts about painting are far easier than learning how to think creatively about painting. To be fair, learning techniques, strategies, and concepts will improve your creative thinking because you will see things differently. And that is at the heart of creativity. On the other hand, a true artist moves beyond these skills and techniques to think differently. Through nature or nurture, creative people think differently.<\/p>\n Can you learn creative thinking? Yes. Definitely. However, let me be straight here: Some of the most boring books I\u2019ve ever read were on improving creative thinking skills. Furthermore, every minute you spend on one thing means you can\u2019t spend it on something else that may benefit you even more. In short, you may be better off spending your time improving other aspects of your life.<\/p>\n In fact, learning essential skills, strategies, and techniques on essential or even creative topics is often a better use of time than learning creative thinking techniques. Furthermore, clear, organized, and logical thinking is essential for every person in this modern world. For example, Academic Vocabulary for Critical Thinking, Logical Arguments, and Effective Communication<\/a><\/strong><\/span> will change how you think and communicate forever. This program is a key to both academic and professional success.<\/p>\n Having said that, learning creative thinking techniques creates a rare way of thinking and can lead to breakthroughs in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected times. So, here we are at a moment of nature and nurture. I place before you a list of books related to creative thinking. Nurture: Is it possible to get the books? Nature: Will you read the books?<\/p>\n\n
Divergent Thinking and Other Key Traits of Creativity<\/h2>\n
Divergent Thinking comes down to three key concepts:<\/h3>\n
Creativity for Everyone: Understanding Creativity Across Various Fields<\/h2>\n
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Creativity: Is Creativity Nature or Nurture?<\/h2>\n
Nature and Nurture: Can You Improve Your Creative Thinking Skills?<\/h2>\n
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