Creativity

"Although the benefits of this study to scholars are obvious, this thought-provoking mixture of scholarly and colloquial will enlighten inquisitive general readers, too." — Library Journal (starred review)

The classic study of the creative process from the bestselling author of Flow.

Creativity is about capturing those moments that make life worth living. Legendary psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi ("The leading researcher into ‘flow states.’" — Newsweek) reveals the psychology of discovery that leads to these moments—be it the excitement of the artist at the easel or the scientist in the lab—so that this knowledge can be used to enrich peoples lives. Drawing on nearly one hundred interviews with exceptional people, from biologists and physicists, to politicians and business leaders, to poets and artists, as well as his thirty years of research on the subject, Csikszentmihalyi uses his famous flow theory to explore the creative process and what makes for a creative personality. He discusses such ideas as why creative individuals are often seen as selfish and arrogant, and why the "tortured genius" is largely a myth. Most important, he explains why enhancing personal creativity needs to be cultivated and is necessary for the future of our country, if not the world.

Drawing on decades of research and ninety-one interviews with exceptional people, this book demystifies the creative process, revealing:

The Flow of Creativity: How to capture the moments of deep enjoyment and peak performance—the state of flow—that are the true reward of the creative life. The Creative System: A groundbreaking look at how creativity arises not from a lone genius, but from the interplay between a person, a cultural domain, and a social field. Characteristics of Creative People: An exploration of the ten paradoxical traits creative individuals share, from playfulness and discipline to the surprising truth about the "tortured genius" myth. Cultivating Your Own Creativity: Practical insights drawn from exceptional people—including artists, scientists, and business leaders—that you can use to make your own life more engaging and fulfilling.