I have just watched this vid on John Cleese speaking on creativity, it is a bit old now (1991 I believe) but I have only discovered it myself - infact, it was sent to me by my very creative cousin, Josh Lock: electronic music of all kinds and photographer with a true eye.
Very helpful to hear creativity described in such a cogent way; I hope it helps me write on.
9 comments:
Thanks for that. You may also appreciate this one by Peter Kreeft on the Imagination: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PWNTDBFuuw
Still gotsta call you back, too... :\
I followed the link out of idle curiosity, but ended up watching the entire video. It's a simple thesis, that could have been stated in 30 seconds, but the 30 minute lecture went a long way towards turning that thesis into something tangible. I work in a large-team environment. So, what he said about the lure of getting hooked on the adrenaline and satisfaction of accomplishing small, urgent tasks - rather than taking the time to ponder, the bigger, more important, and sometimes less concrete issues - was spot on. But what about someone like you? Unlike myself, where I can objectively measure when a decision has to be made, and discipline myself to schedule some open-mode time, and hold off making the decision until it's truly necessary, it seems like your choices of deadlines are often going to be arbitrary. How do you figure out when more time in open mode would just be daydreaming, and it's the right time to switch to closed mode and actually get the job done?
The only point on which I'd disagree with the lecture was the point about solemnity having no value, ever. Perhaps it's understandable that a professional comedian would put all of his eggs in the humor basket, and I took the point that solemnity can be used as a mask, as a way of hyping self-importance. I've been guilty of that myself. But I still think that solemnity, at the right time and place, can engender creativity (and sometimes other good things as well) just as powerfully as humor. But that point aside, it was a great lecture overall.
Hey DM this is just a big fan of yours wanting to pass on the fact that I think you're great! You're writing ability, depth and creativity are astounding! I almost cried at the end of Factotum, because it was such a genius and touching ending. I look forwards to whatever inspiration you come out with next!
Hello Mr. Cornish! Just wanted to say that your books are simply amazing, and some of the best books I've ever read! Maybe this isn't the best place to ask questions, but i'll ask one anyway. Is there any information you are willing to share about the Derelands? As they are based on nordic cultures and i'm from Sweden myself it would be quite interesting to know a little more about them ; )
-Simon
Hello Mr. Cornish! Just wanted to say that your books are simply amazing, and some of the best books I've ever read! Maybe this isn't the best place to ask questions, but i'll ask one anyway. Is there any information you are willing to share about the Derelands? As they are based on nordic cultures and i'm from Sweden myself it would be quite interesting to know a little more about them ; )
-Simon
Whops! Looks like I have managed to post twice, how annoying... All i have to to say to my defence is that handling computers have never been my best subject...
-Simon
In Factotum the Lapinduce refers to "far seeing Idaho." The Lapinduce doesn't seem the type to either offer empty praise, or to admire the rich and powerful among the naughtbringers. Which leads me to believe that Idaho must have been more than just a potent and charismatic founder of a human dynasty. Is this an insight, or an over-interpretation?
Good morning folks
I'm wondering, Mr. Cornish, if you could update us on your present creating, no details, mind you, just how you're feeling about it and how it's going.
-Ben Bryddia
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