Chapter 1: The Nature of Creativity

What exactly is creativity? Is it merely a stroke of luck, or can it be nurtured as a skill? Both perspectives hold truth, according to numerous inventors, artists, and intellectuals.

As I delve into the thoughts of creative minds, I find myself inspired. You might feel the same way. Here's what these luminaries have to say about the essence of creativity:

> "To get a great idea, come up with lots of them."

> – Thomas Edison (1847–1931), American inventor and businessman

> "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

> – Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), Spanish artist and co-founder of Cubism

> "Curiosity about life in all its forms is the secret of great creativity."

> – Leo Burnett (1891–1971), American advertising executive

> "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to chase it down."

> – Jack London (1876–1916), American author and journalist

> "Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple, learn to manage them, and soon you have many."

> – John Steinbeck (1902–1968), Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist

> "Creativity is contagious. Share it."

> – Albert Einstein (1879–1955), theoretical physicist

> "Think in all directions. Oh, the wonders you can create if you just try!"

> – Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) (1904–1991), American writer and poet

> "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."

> – Victor Hugo (1802–1885), French novelist

> "Creativity is simply making connections. When creative individuals explain their process, they often feel guilty, as it seems so obvious."

> – Steve Jobs (1955–2011), co-founder of Apple, Inc.

> "We should discard the idea of being average… It steals our opportunity to be extraordinary."

> – Uta Hagen (1919–2004), American actress and acting teacher

> "You ask, 'Why?' But I dream of things that never were and ask, 'Why not?'"

> – George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), playwright and journalist

> "When describing a shape, sound, or color, don't state it plainly; hint at it and learn to perceive everything with a creative lens."

> – Lewis Carroll (1832–1898), writer and mathematician

> "Why fear new ideas? It's the old ones that frighten me."

> – John Cage (1912–1992), composer and music theorist

> "Creativity cannot be exhausted. The more you utilize it, the more you possess."

> – Maya Angelou (b. 1928), writer and poet

> "Ideas may fade, nations may rise and fall, but an idea endures."

> – John F. Kennedy (1917–1963), 35th President of the United States

> "Creativity transcends mere oddity. True creativity is the art of simplicity."

> – Charles Mingus (1922–1979), jazz composer and bassist

> "Creativity isn't just about raw talent; it hinges on productivity. Finding effective ideas requires testing many that don't work."

> – Robert Sutton (b. 1954), Stanford University professor

> "Everyone is creative and talented; it's discipline that sets people apart."

> – Al Hirschfeld (1903–2003), American caricaturist

> "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent hard work."

> – Thomas Edison (1847–1931), inventor

Award-winning author Kathy Widenhouse has penned nine books and attracted over 600,000 views for her writing tutorials, available at www.nonprofitcopywriter.com.