I am at a crossroads. Staying on the path offers predictability, certainty, security. Turning left offers satisfaction, a sense of achievement, a chance for glory. Turning right offers excitement, new vistas, possibly misery but also creativity and gratification like nothing else. Guess which path I know the least about. The one to the right. But is it the right one for me? Am I ready for something creative?
Research suggests that the relationship between knowledge and creativity is complex and nuanced. Creativity is the result of a complex thinking process, so there are many influencing factors such as knowledge, thinking skills, motivation, environment... Knowledge provides a strong foundation for creative thinking. A thirst for knowledge is essential for creative exploration. Broad knowledge exposes you to diverse ideas and perspectives. A deep understanding of a domain empowers you to develop effective and innovative solutions.
At the core of this idea is the Ten Year Rule which shows that even the most noteworthy and talented individuals require many years of preparation before they begin to produce their masterpieces.
But can too much knowledge get in the way of creativity?
Too much knowledge can sometimes overload your cognitive processes, making it harder to think creatively. Deep knowledge can lead to confirmation bias, where you may be more inclined to seek information that confirms your existing beliefs, hindering open-mindedness. With expertise comes a sense of comfort and security, which can make you less willing to take risks and explore unconventional ideas. I know that that this risk-aversion has definitely stunted my entrepreneurial instincts.
Dean Keith Simonton’s U-shaped relation between creativity and education is based on research, which studied over 300 visionary individuals born between 1450 and 1850. The results showed that while some formal education may be necessary for creative development, excessive academic training may frame one’s thoughts into rigid stereotypes and paralyse creativity.
Is there an optimum? A point at which one feels they have sufficient knowledge to make a viable decision?
The Dunning–Kruger effect, a cognitive bias in which people with limited competence in a particular domain overestimate their abilities, explains this. As a corollary, high performers tend to underestimate their skills.
I suppose the key is in finding a balance. And, and this is a big AND, having a bias for action and experimentation. A moderate level of knowledge seems to be optimal for creativity. Too little, and you lack the foundation; too much, and you could be becoming overly rigid in your thinking and too risk-averse.
As I meander (and flounder) through this river of self-discovery, I'm consciously choosing to rely on three stepping stones - open-mindedness to new experiences, a growth mindset to view any mistakes as learning opportunities, and some playfulness where I jump into something just to have a good time.
I'm discovering that what hangs in the balance is not whether I'll do something great, but simply whether I'll do anything at all. I'm choosing to do something. Period.
