Rainer Matthias | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Creativity is highly valued and admired as a characteristic of outstanding people. It is believed that creative individuals, because of their talent, playfully produce new and extraordinary things, that they are kissed by the muses or driven by mysterious forces. However, modern science has knowledge that sheds light on the secret of creativity. The author describes the essential elements of creativity in a generally understandable way: talent, knowledge, motivation, personality traits and environmental conditions. Then the five phases of the creative process are presented: preparation, incubation, illumination, realization and verification. From the analysis of creative personalities and processes, consequences are drawn for their promotion in school, work, science, culture, economy and politics. A sound understanding of creativity helps to discover and promote creative potential in the areas mentioned. In today's world with its diverse challenges, however, not only extraordinary, but also everyday creativity is of great practical importance. Paying attention to creative aspects in education, training, partnership, sexuality and personal development leads to a meaningful lifestyle.