Traditional Creative Thinking: The Art of Imitation, Adaptation, and Transformation

When exploring the concept of creative thinking, it is important to recognize the value of traditional approaches that have shaped artistic expression throughout history. Contrary to the popular belief that great ideas emerge out of nowhere, many creative geniuses have relied on imitation, adaptation, and transformation of existing ideas to produce their masterpieces. By examining the creative processes of artists such as Paul Simon and William Shakespeare, we can gain a better understanding of the role of traditional creative thinking in the development of great works of art.

The Creative Process: A Case Study of Paul Simon:

In a captivating video, Paul Simon shared his process of writing the iconic song "Bridge Over Troubled Water," providing an illuminating glimpse into artistic creativity. He explained that the original melody was inspired by a Bach chorale, with Simon composing only a variation. After hitting a creative roadblock, Simon found inspiration in blues chords for the next section of the song. The lyrics, he admitted, were borrowed from lines he heard at a concert. This example aligns with T.S. Eliot's famous dictum: "Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal."

Imitation and Adaptation in Elizabethan Times:

Paul Simon's creative process is not unique. In Elizabethan times, writers understood that imitation and adaptation were necessary components of crafting a work of art. As they read, individuals would collect compelling and interesting quotes, focusing on the discovery of great one-liners as much as plot and character development.

William Shakespeare, widely regarded as a creative genius, also "stole" much of his raw material. Rather than inventing plots from scratch, he manipulated and improved upon existing stories. This approach highlights the importance of absorbing and transforming ideas in the creative process.

The Value of Traditional Creative Thinking:

Traditional creative thinking emphasizes the significance of building upon existing ideas and adapting them to create new works of art. By examining the creative processes of artists such as Paul Simon and William Shakespeare, we can appreciate the value of imitation, adaptation, and transformation in the development of great works of art.

Great ideas rarely emerge from the darkness like lightning; instead, they are absorbed, transformed, and refined in the mind of the artist. This approach demonstrates that creativity is not solely about originality; it also involves the skillful manipulation and reimagining of existing concepts.

Traditional creative thinking offers a valuable perspective on the development of artistic masterpieces throughout history. By recognizing the importance of imitation, adaptation, and transformation, we can better understand the creative processes that have shaped some of the world's most celebrated works of art. Embracing this approach can inspire artists and thinkers alike to build upon the foundations laid by those who came before them, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of human creativity.