What is Creativity?
Creativity is bringing novel ideas into existence.
This week’s newsletter focuses on Creativity, inspired by the roll of the dice in Gyan Chaupar.
The word "create" comes from the Latin creāre, which itself stems from crēscere, meaning "to come into existence, grow, or increase."
In some ancient languages, creo or creare means to make something from nothing. Humans often find it hard to explain or measure things that are not obvious or tangible, so we tend to label them as “nothing.” This idea connects to the notion that creativity involves accessing something beyond ordinary perception, perhaps a unique realm available only to the creator, a divine force.
Creativity can also be seen as a remarkable skill. It involves taking an idea from a seemingly invisible space. It can feel like finding a needle in a haystack in your mind. It is the process of using imagination or original ideas to produce something new, often starting from what feels like “nothing.”
Some believe that "aether" is a substance filling the universe, where all ideas live for eternity. These ideas are waiting for someone to call on them. When the time is right, someone plucks this idea from the aether. Therefore creativity doesn’t always come entirely from within us. Instead, it may involve tapping into something bigger, like an unseen force that influences our thoughts and feelings. This could be something emotional, social, spiritual, or a mix of all three.
Many artists, writers, and thinkers still describe their process as if ideas come from an unknown source. They often talk about creativity as a mysterious act of discovery, a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, where personal and collective ideas overlap. It’s as if creativity connects us to something larger, a hidden space where inspiration flows freely.
So, creativity isn’t just about using your brain in a clever way. It’s about being open to those hidden, unexplainable moments when an idea sparks to life. Whether you believe it comes from within, a higher power, or a shared human connection, creativity remains one of our most fascinating and powerful abilities.
As usual, below are our 4 thoughts and 2 questions about Creativity.
4 thoughts on creativity
From Albert Einstein
I never made one of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking.
From Tom
All humans have an innate ability to imagine new possibilities but we must first free ourselves of our limiting beliefs in order to realise this potential.
From Vineeta
We are divine beings who act like a lightening rod to receive inspiration from the universe.
From Bruce Lee
The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.
2 questions about creativity
When and where do you feel most creative?
What would happen if you swapped caution for creativity?
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Product update: We have now reached the end of our first period of sales. We will resume in the new year in January 2025. Until then, both the game board and poster can be back-ordered for delivery in February 2025. Thank you to all of you who have supported us in our journey of exploration and ordered the game.Much love
Tom and Vineeta
If you’re curious about the game of Gyan Chaupar, find out more and get hold of one of our limited first edition game boards at www.gyanchaupar.co.uk