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"创造力需要放下确定性的勇气"

Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm Psychoanalyst
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Quote meaning
Creativity really is about stepping into the unknown and being okay with it. The idea here is that if you want to create something new and meaningful, you have to be willing to ditch the familiar and comfortable. Sure, certainty feels safe, but it can also be a creativity killer.

This concept has roots going back to thinkers and doers throughout history. Take, for instance, the era of the Renaissance. People like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo didn’t stick to the script—heck, they ripped it up. They embraced wild ideas and experimented fearlessly, which is why we remember them today. They didn’t cling to what was known; they ventured out into uncharted territory.

To bring this to life, let’s think about the world of technology. Consider the story of Steve Jobs and Apple. Jobs was a master at embracing uncertainty. When he returned to Apple in 1997, the company was in trouble. Instead of playing it safe and sticking with the same old products, he took a massive risk by focusing on developing new, innovative products like the iMac, iPod, and eventually the iPhone. It wasn’t a sure thing—far from it. But by letting go of the need for certainty and instead trusting in the creative process, he transformed Apple into one of the most valuable companies in the world.

So, how can you apply this nugget of wisdom in your life? Start by recognizing when you’re holding on too tightly to what you know. Ask yourself: “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid of failing?” This simple question can open up a world of possibilities. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it means you might stumble along the way. Embrace that uncertainty—it's where the magic happens.

Now, imagine you're an aspiring writer. You’ve been sticking to familiar genres because that’s what you’re good at. But deep down, you’ve got a wild sci-fi story brewing. It’s completely different from what you usually write, and it scares the heck out of you. What if no one likes it? What if you can’t pull it off? But you decide to go for it anyway. You let go of the certainty of writing what you know and dive into this new, intimidating genre. Maybe it’s tough at first, but as you keep going, you find your groove. The result? A fresh, exciting piece of work that surprises even you.

This isn’t just about big, life-changing decisions. It’s about little things too—like trying a new recipe in the kitchen or taking a different route to work. Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you’re giving your creativity room to breathe and grow. So next time you’re faced with a choice between the safe route and the unknown, remember: creativity thrives where certainty dies.
Related tags
Art Courage Creativity Fearlessness Growth Innovation Inspiration Open-mindedness Risk-taking Uncertainty
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