“Let’s start with a test: Do you have any opinions that you would be reluctant to express in front of a group of your peers?

If the answer is no, you might want to stop and think about that. If everything you believe is something you’re supposed to believe, could that possibly be a coincidence?

Odds are it isn’t. Odds are you just think whatever you’re told.”

Paul Graham, Entrepreneur

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transferred to a different form to be received in. Being a physical law, it applies to all things that physics apply towards: anabolic structures configured from elemental form. Does this exclude the metaphysical in all cases?

Metaphysical topics, such as ideas, studied alone and independently are collectively agreed upon that they are exempt from physical laws. However, consider that ideas have impacts on physical reality through neural function. I believe this should change the way we perceive creation and possibly could be used to promote creativity on a widespread level.

To create is to bring novelty into the world by any means, whether that be physical (art), verbal (spoken language), or otherwise. Webster defines creating (v.) as (1) to bring into existence; and (4) to produce through imaginative skill. My perception of this is that it is yet another way to transfer energy.

To create comes easily to some people, and explanations of that typically come in labels such as calling creative people “right-brained” or “High-IQ”, but I would propose a more optimistic view that anyone can achieve a higher level of creativity when one’s environment properly promotes it.

On a practical level, here’s a way I believe anyone can improve their ‘imaginative skill’:

Find Nuance in Nature.

On Nuance

Nature is vast. The environment (anything in your realm of perception) is not without issue. With each subjective problem comes a contextual solution. The more you observe, the more you think. The more you think, the more likely you are to find problems and potential solutions.

Imagine this: You take a walk through the woods for leisure, and notice what you think is a pattern in where certain animals find shelter. You map it out, and soon enough you have a strong notion that the pattern you’ve noticed is “correct” as opposed to “wrong”. You map the where the squirrels and the bees make their homes, and even where snakes dig into the ground. You eventually turn around to head back and feel that it’s okay to roll up your pant legs during a section of the forest you deemed was without snakes and therefore safe. A snake then bites your ankle to your surprise, and your entire perception of your mapping system is out the window.

That example demonstrates a lack of nuance in the forager. Being ignorant the grey area of the possibility of a snake not being present where it dug a hole is a great analogy for how Internet-aged humans attempt to solve problems. Avoiding black-and-white neural pathways will not only jumpstart a series of creative moments, but it will also keep your mind young, fresh, and able to adapt to any environment you’re placed in.

Nuances are found in the so-called alternatives.

Understand that a certain method to solve a problem may be more popular than another, but it may be tackling a core component of an issue that then is associated with the rest of the issue.

For example, just because a high LDL cholesterol level is correlated with coronary heart disease does not mean eliminating foods with a high concentration of LDL cholesterol will eliminate your risk for heart disease. In this case, and to follow the analogy, foods with a high HDL cholesterol might be added rather than high-LDL foods be removed.

Live in the grey area to live a happier and more creative life.

Question more, and always be open to new ideas. Be discerning, but also humble in the fact that you and I will never truly know everything and nature has bountiful lessons to teach us.

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Take care of yourself and someone else,

-Brandon