Why are humans are hardwired to create?

We – as a species – have been inveterate creators from the earliest cave paintings to cutting-edge technological innovations. We invent, we explore, we shape, we solve, we build.

But why is creating so fundamental to our existence? Is our need to create habitual, or are there benefits for us as individuals and as a society?

Creativity as Creator

It appears as though the act of creation actually increases our ability to create. When we create, we spur cognitive growth and problem-solving abilities. Psychologically, the very act of creating demands critical thinking and pushes us to approach challenges from diverse angles. Every brush stroke, each coded line, every melody and written word enables us to better view the world through a different lens. These new frames of reference then spur more creativity and innovation.

Creation for Ourselves

The creative process is a haven for our emotional well-being. Imagine an artist lost in the creation of a painting or musical composition, or a coder deeply engrossed in solving a complex problem. This is ‘flow’, a state of high concentration and absorption that leads to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi went as far as to write, “Flow is the secret to happiness”[1].

The act of creation is intensely personal. It has long been said that, “Every book is an autobiography.” Our creations, in all their forms, are expressions of who we are and who we aspire to be. Creativity fosters self-understanding and personal growth.

Our shared experiences, emotions, and perspectives help us understand the diversity of human experience. In turn, our empathy and social connection flourish. This finding holds across a wide range of creation, to include cartoons, movies, music videos, video games, fiction and more.

Finally, the creative process fosters resilience. It helps us adapt to new situations and bounce back from failures. As we experiment with different ideas, we become more adaptable; better
equipped to deal with a rapidly changing world.

Creation for the World

Your creativity benefits more than yourself: creativity is the driving force behind the world’s solutions.

Creators – from Leonardo da Vinci to Elon Musk – have shaped the world in profound ways. They turn the impossible into reality, challenge norms and expand the boundaries of what we believe is doable.

And creativity drives economic development. Innovation fuels job creation and wealth generation. Just about everything you buy was created by someone, and the things that are “natural” were likely brought to you by someone’s creation.

Creative individuals – artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers – add depth and diversity to our cultural landscape. They tell stories, challenge dominant narratives, and contribute to our collective understanding of the world.

Furthermore, creativity can be a catalyst for social change. Creative individuals often draw attention to social issues, influence public opinion and instigate change. Through creativity, we can envision and enact a better world.

Creative individuals are also game-changers in the realm of education and learning. At its best,
education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in learners. Up to 75 percent of all college students had at least one online course. Think about how many different creations had to come together before the first online course was delivered.

Why Create?

Creation sparks joy, fuels growth, fosters connections, drives innovation, and can change the world. As we create, we find ourselves and we express our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Creation allows us to discover and express our purpose.

But beyond that, there is someone who needs what you have created. Somewhere “out there” is an individual who is waiting for what you are about to create next. There is a song or a program or a machine or a video that doesn’t yet exist, but will benefit someone.

If you don’t create it, who will?

And – whether you ever hear about it or not – your creation can drastically alter the course of a life. You can create something that engenders a smile or communicates support and encouragement.

Everything you create can instill hope in the hopeless.

Go. Create.

References

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

As always, I welcome your thoughts. You can reach me through the comments section on my Substack or Medium accounts or the blog section on my website. If this article as of value to you, please follow my Instagram and Twitter accounts. And be sure to subscribe to my River Of Creation podcast – The Podcast for Creators! – coming later this year.

Be well; do good!

• JWW