“Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled, to concentrate, to accept conflict and tension, to be born every day, to feel a sense of self.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Erich Fromm, the importance of various conditions for creativity is highlighted. Fromm emphasizes the necessity of being in a state of puzzlement, concentration, acceptance of conflict and tension, daily renewal, and self-awareness in order to foster creativity. Let's delve deeper into the significance of these elements in nurturing creativity.
The Relevance of Creativity in Modern Society
In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges is more important than ever. Erich Fromm's quote underscores the importance of being open to new ideas, embracing conflict, and feeling a sense of self in seeking creative solutions. This mindset is crucial for individuals and organizations to thrive in the modern era.
Erich Fromm on Creativity
One of the key aspects of creativity, according to Erich Fromm, is being able to embrace certain conditions. Fromm suggests that in order to be creative, individuals must be willing to be puzzled, focused, accepting of conflict, and constantly evolving in their sense of self.
Reflection Questions
Reflect on the following questions to help you explore the conditions for creativity as outlined by Erich Fromm:
- When was the last time you felt puzzled or confused about something? How did you approach finding a solution to this puzzle?
- How well do you focus and concentrate on tasks that require creativity? What strategies do you use to maintain your concentration?
- How do you typically handle conflict and tension in your life? Do you see these as opportunities for growth and creativity, or obstacles to be avoided?
- In what ways do you strive to reinvent yourself or approach each day as a fresh start?
- How do you cultivate a strong sense of self and identity? How does this impact your creative process?
Similar quotes
“Take for instance a man driven to incessant work by a sense of deep insecurity and loneliness; or another one driven by ambition, or greed for money. In all these cases the person is the slave of a passion, and his activity is in reality a "passivity" because he is driven; he is the sufferer, not the "actor." On the other hand a man sitting quiet and contemplating, with no purpose or aim except that of experiencing himself and his oneness with the world, is considered to be "passive", because he is not "doing" anything. In reality, this attitude of concentrated meditation is the highest activity there is, an activity of the soul, which is possible only under the condition of inner freedom and independence.”
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
“Paradoxically, the ability to be alone is the condition for the ability to love.”
“To have faith requires courage, the ability to take a risk, the readiness even to accept pain and disappointment. Whoever insists on safety and security as primary conditions of life cannot have faith; whoever shuts himself off in a system of defense, where distance and possession are his means of security, makes himself a prisoner. To be loved, and to love, need courage, the courage to judge certain values as of ultimate concern—and to take the jump and to stake everything on these values.”
“The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers. ”
“The whole life of the individual is nothing but the process of giving birth to himself; indeed, we should be fully born when we die - although it is the tragic fate of most individuals to die before they are born.”