Everything we do is only a recombination or reuse of already existing tools, techniques or substances. Even creative insights only rely on already existing thoughts and ideas.
What was special about Einstein and Newton was perhaps that they were visionary: they were able to recombine and synthesize things which were not fully established. Enough knowledge had accumulated and was waiting for a new synthesis, but it was available in easy accessible form. Newton applied differential calculus to astronomical objects although he was just inventing it (together with Leibniz), and it was very hard at that time to get reliable astronomical data. Einstein applied differential geometry to cosmic scales although it was not fully formulated. A scientist who discovers a new theory is similar to a CEO who founds a new company. A scientist must feel which theory will become important (if he doesn't know them all), und must be able to apply a theory although it is not yet fully formulated. A CEO must be able to see or sense the future. He must feel which market, product or subject will become important. Usually successful CEOs or scientists are just lucky, being at the right place at the right time. Time says "Every time a seismic shift takes place in our economy, there are people who feel the vibrations long before the rest of us do, vibrations so strong they demand action - action that can seem rash, even stupid." http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,992927-2,00.html -J. ----- Original Message ----- From: Orlando Leibovitz To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; The Friday Morning Applied Complexity Coffee Group Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 3:36 AM Subject: Re: [FRIAM] The Brain and Creativity 2 I agree with the conclusions of the article and with your analysis. We all (most of us) have sudden insight from time to time. What I want to know is where the really original, genius type insight comes from. What is it that allows Newton or Einstein or Picasso to see something essential that no one has seen or understood before? ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org
