Wired to Create

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind

by Scott Barry Kaufman, Carolyn Gregoire

4.6(400 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book highlights the paradoxical nature of creativity, showing that seemingly opposite traits—like daydreaming and mindfulness, risk-taking and diligence—can coexist in fertile tension. It provides evidence-based insights into how these tensions shape a person’s capacity to innovate and build meaning. By reading it, you can expect an engaging exploration of how to harness these contradictions to deepen self-awareness and enhance creative output.

Welcome to Messy Minds

Creativity emerges from a fascinating mix of contradictory traits. People who create at exceptional levels often exhibit both boldness and caution, logic and intuition, control and spontaneity. This interplay might look messy, but it drives innovative thinking.

These contradictions help uncover new perspectives. Whether you’re a scientist, writer, entrepreneur, or artist, acknowledging your multiple sides can expand your pool of ideas. Doing so often involves letting go of the notion that creative progress follows neat, linear steps.

The idea of a “messy mind” can be liberating. By shifting from rigid thought patterns to a mindset that welcomes complexity, you allow unexpected connections to surface. This openness paves the way for groundbreaking insights and personal transformation.

Paradoxical qualities—such as focus and wandering—are creative allies rather than enemies.

Imaginative Play

Play is a profound driver of creative thought. As children, we create entire imaginary worlds to make sense of our experiences and test possibilities. This playful spirit can remain well into adulthood, fueling artistic breakthroughs and inventive ideas.

Engaging in activities for pure enjoyment—like doodling or role-playing—taps into the same imaginative processes that spark novel solutions. Setting aside time for playful exploration frees you from constraints and can lead to flashes of insight.

When schools or workplaces underestimate the value of play, they risk stifling people’s natural curiosity. Playful environments encourage experimentation, lowering the fear of making mistakes and allowing each small spark of creativity to be nurtured.

A playful mind is more open to discovery than one trapped in constant seriousness.

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What is Wired to Create about?

"Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind" by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire explores the enigmatic nature of creativity, unlocking the paradoxical traits that fuel innovative thought. Delving into the notion that creativity is not just a single attribute but a harmonious tension of opposites—daydreaming vs. focus, risk-taking vs. caution—the book provides evidence-based insights into how we can harness these contradictions. It reflects on how they shape an individual's capacity to innovate, prompting readers to explore, understand, and leverage their unique creative potential.

The book illuminates why this perspective is relevant in an age where originality fuels progress and personal fulfillment. Through insightful analysis and vivid storytelling, the authors encourage readers to embrace both their chaotic and structured sides, mindfully blend playfulness with diligence, and find balance in the emotional chaos that defines a creative life. Kaufman and Gregoire emphasize promoting scientific understanding of creativity, guiding individuals toward deeper self-awareness and expanded creative output.

Review of Wired to Create

"Wired to Create" stands out as a beacon of insight into the human mind's enigmatic and often contradictory musings. Kaufman and Gregoire offer a well-researched exploration of creativity, drawing upon psychological studies and profiling historical figures like Picasso and Steve Jobs, known for their unconventional paths. The book's strength lies in its ability to bridge scientific findings with real-world applications, providing readers with applicable strategies to nudge their creative pursuits forward.

The text excels in illustrating that true creativity is not about avoiding contradictions but embracing them. The authors highlight how 'messy minds,' or minds at the intersection of chaos and order, lead to groundbreaking decisions and innovations. Furthermore, Kaufman's engaging prose, coupled with Gregoire's illustrative storytelling, ensures the concepts are accessible to academics and creative enthusiasts alike. Whether you're an artist, educator, or business professional, this book offers a nuanced understanding that fosters creativity as a dynamic, fluid process.

By challenging readers to reflect on their thought processes and embrace the irregularities of their creative capabilities, it delivers a compelling message: creativity is within everyone’s grasp. It simply requires the courage to explore and the patience to nurture the multifaceted traits we all possess. This book is highly recommended for those seeking to discover their winding path to creativity, providing them with the insights needed to navigate this complex journey.

Who should read Wired to Create?

Creative professionals and artists looking for a deeper understanding of their processes.
Educators aiming to foster creativity within their teaching methods and curriculum.
Entrepreneurs seeking innovative strategies and modes of thinking to enhance their business projects.
Psychologists or students studying human behavior and the cognitive aspects of creativity.
Individuals experiencing a creative block who wish to gain fresh perspectives on navigating their challenges.

About the author

Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, and Carolyn Gregoire are the authors of "Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind". Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist who is a professor at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He holds a PhD in cognitive psychology from Yale University and an MPhil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge under a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Kaufman has written extensively on intelligence, creativity, and human potential, and is also known for hosting The Psychology Podcast and authoring several other books, including "Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined" and "Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization".