Creativity: Its Origin, Process, and Function in Creative Expression

Is creativity innate?
Do a vivid imagination, aesthetic sense, and curiosity equate to creativity?
Why is it so difficult for great creators like Leonardo da Vinci to emerge today?
Are malicious acts such as cyberbullying and conspiracy theories also rooted in creativity?

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Human creative endeavors have never ceased, from the "discovery of fire" in prehistoric times, the magnificent cathedrals of the Middle Ages, the paintings and scientific inventions of the Renaissance, to the meme culture of modern online communities, all demonstrating the multifaceted nature of creativity.

Creativity is largely considered valuable because it directly or indirectly contributes economically, which is why we actively train creative students, foster creativity in businesses, and require innovation in politicians' policies. However, the significance of creative expression extends far beyond this; in the creative process, we connect with others, build self-identity, and give more meaning to life.

Creativity is a complex phenomenon intertwined within different cultural and historical contexts. The author of this book transcends disciplinary boundaries, exploring the history, theories, and practices of creativity from various perspectives such as psychology, philosophy, and sociology. This helps us critically examine some profound and thought-provoking questions:

※Who should define whether a person or an object embodies creativity?
※Will things considered creative last century still be favored today? How can the world's high regard for the "Mona Lisa" remain timeless?
※What personality traits do creative people possess? Is higher IQ correlated with greater creativity? Are meticulous individuals less likely to produce creative expressions?
※What are the differences in creative expression across art, science, politics, and other fields?
※Does creativity vary in magnitude and also have moral distinctions (good vs. evil)? Is it an individual achievement, or attributed to collective collaboration?

The function and inherent value of creativity evolve with societal changes. The book meticulously analyzes the three major elements involved in creativity: the creator, the creation, and the creative process. It systematically explains the origins and progress of creativity, including the psychological characteristics of creators, the facilitators of creativity, the generation of creations, and their connection to specific cultures, opening up the possibility for us to explore deeper knowledge of the phenomenon of creativity.