Several conversations over the last few months have left me pondering questions about genius and creativity. How do we get inspired? Where does that inspiration come from? What does genius look like? Can we manipulate our circumstances to encourage or, indeed, hinder our capacity for creativity? Can we anticipate the creativity of others from their circumstances?

Wordsworth inspired by Lake District Daffodils

To some extent, these questions are subjective existential reflections on my own sense of creative ability or lack thereof. Remedies I have considered include, for example, a dash back to either New York City or London for a shot of city vibrancy, where the gritty mass of quotidian lives is matched by the sheer power of millions of minds processing visible innovative concepts. I also have wondered about a road trip to some bucolic and cloistered retreat. Then again, pragmatism also produced the idea that perhaps I should just stay home, away from distractions, and let creative inspiration well up in the peace and quiet of familiar surroundings. The common thread through all of this, however, is the construct of environmental circumstance to facilitate creativity. (more…)