Reviews (2)

Science and Art
Consisting of four essays and an interview with Louwrien Wijers, On Creativity provides a clear window into the ruminations of physicist David Bohm. Author of a textbook on quantum mechanics, Bohm is best known for his speculations on "the implicate order," a world view which draws on quantum mechanics in an attempt to go behind colleague Niels Bohr's "Copenhagen Interpretation"-to wit, that the mathematics of quantum theory, which lead to paradoxes in the macroscopic realm, should not be construed as anything more than mathematical treatments that work.This view, or rather non-view, was not acceptable to Einstein.The basic solution of Bohm is to suggest that our entire three-dimensional reality, which shows evidence of nonlocality-the instantaneous measurable correlation of attributes of distant particles-is a projection of a deeper "enfolded" realm.These essays, however, with titles such as "On creativity," "On the relationships of science and art," "The range of imagination," and "The art of perceiving movement" are not overly recondite, abstruse, or abstract-let alone mathematical.In On Creativity, for example, Bohr analyzes what makes not just a great, but a truly original scientist, such as Newton and Einstein (with whom Bohm corresponded).Perhaps surprisingly, he includes Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan in their company. The reason has to do with Bohm's emphasis on an open-minded attitude, free of worldly obsessions such as career advancement or "kicks," that allows the truly creative mind to bust through societal blinders and see the world as a whole in a new way.In the case of Sullivan she exposed Keller, deaf and blind from birth, to water in a variety of settings, writing the word on her hand. At a given point, Keller, who was animalistic before, put the different stimuli together, seeing their underlying unity. This is the kind of unity that Bohr argues Newton discovered in his realization that planets, like apples, fall-only much more slowly-a view that dispensed with the prevailing notions of the Greeks, who distinguished between the perfection of the celestial, and the imperfection of the earthly realm. Einstein went further, showing that seemingly equidistant and simultaneous times and places really depended upon the relationship of observers to observed.What is wonderful about Bohm is that he is deeply immersed in and respectful of, art and philosophy and religion. A close friend of Krishnamurti, he relates the work of Hegelian philosophy and Coleridgian poetics to scientific inquiry; he says he personally was inspired by artists. For example, in the essay, "The Range of Imagination," he attempts to link art to science by starting with Owen Barfield's analysis of Coleridge's distinction between two kinds of imagination-primary imagination and fancy.Although they are linked-mutually implicated is as everything else in Bohm's implicate universe-the primary imagination is much more than just putting things together in pleasing shapes.Perhaps the single biggest insight in this book, which everywhere battles what Bohm considers to be the deleterious effects of fragmentation (and mediocrity, conformity, and "the mechanical") in thinking, is his emphasis that, in great art, no less than great science, the truth is not necessarily what is liked. The truth is what we find *whether we like it or not*--and this scientific spirit needs to apply to art as well. In a way, however, this brilliant exposition creates a contradiction for Bohm, as he elsewhere identifies the true with the beautiful (in large part due to the aesthetic criterion of elegance for choosing among competing world views and mathematical theories).The book might also be criticized for being stylistically bland even as it sings the praises of art, as well as perhaps politically naive in tracing human malaise to an abstraction so great as "the fragmentary."Nonetheless, this work is highly recommended for its analysis of the fascinating, still woefully underexplored terrain connecting art and science.

He was a remarkable man.
Once again David Bohm, one of the most original of thinkers, has demonstrated his ability to make original and fascinating discoveries in regard to, let us say, life in general. This is a combination of physics, biology, philosophy etc etc or as it used to be called natural philosophy. Bohm was one of this century's last remaining natural philospohers in a time of specialisation, in some ways akin to Robert Rosen, Darcy Thomson or Einstein all of whom were willing to expand their frontiers beyond their areas of specialisation. What singles Bohm out is his deep investigation of all aspects of thought especially the study of thought itself, its origin and dissolution and is human life possible without it, in other words is thought all there is or does being human mean a great deal more and other ?Read more

Subjects:  1. Creation (Literary, artistic,    2. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    3. Creation in art    4. Creative Ability    5. Creative ability in science    6. Creativity    7. General    8. Philosophy    9. Psychology    10. Cognition & cognitive psychology    11. Philosophy / General   

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• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

Comforting Advice from a Wise Friend
I listen to Jan's tapes during my workout.I feel so much comfort and inspiration from her words I don't want to stop pedalling!But I do stop the tape to quickly jot down a thought or two to spark my own writing practice.She reminded me that where would the world be if no one took the time to do their creative work?I'm glad she took the time to do her creatvie work joyfully.I will too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Creative Ability    3. Inspirational - General    4. Religion    5. Spirituality - General    6. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction   

Reviews (22)

Ignore the editorial review!
I had to laugh at the editorial review, which accuses Dr. Jacobsen of being "elitist," one of the many criticisms that gifted people receive.Maybe that reviewer should have read the book more carefully.This is a terrific book that will help people realize their potential.That's a good thing for the world and should not be discouraged or belittled.
a life changer!
I found this book very helpful in learning to understand my creativity/ idealism and drivenness, that these things are normal for about 8% of the population and I am not alone or wierd, just gifted.Very reassuring and confidence boosting.
living more fully as an exceptional person
In an article in Advanced Development journal, Mary-Elaine Jacobsen noted the typical stereotypes of gifted people include the "temperamental artist, or the pathetic isolate whose brainy abilities are lost in foolishness, alcoholism or chronic depression," and the glittering superstar in the arts or sciences with talents elevating them [more or less effortlessly] to "an unreachable pedestal of human achievement."
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Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Creative Ability    3. Creative thinking    4. Education    5. Gifted persons    6. Intelligence    7. Intelligence Testing    8. Psychology    9. Self-realization    10. Success    11. Self-Help / Success   

Editorial Review

In this collection of essays by the world's most renowned creative-types--Ingmar Bergman, Maurice Sendak, Frank Zappa, and Maya Angelou--we learn time and again that the act of creation is a willingness to encounter the unknown. If we never risk losing control and wallow in the murky depths of our beings, how will we ever meet our potential? Laurence Olivier talks about going naked. Federico Fellini romances the virtue of passion. Mary Shelley speaks frankly about the genesis of Frankenstein. This is chicken soup for the soul of any creator. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Serendipity
I picked up this book idly and became interested in it.The selections are good.The creative mind is both full and empty.Serendipity means coming on an unexpected treasure.Cathy Johnson explains that her father had an unshakable need to wander. Psychology of Creativity
This was by far one of the greatest books that I have ever read on psychology.It was funny, touching, sweet, but most of all thought provoking.As an aspiring artist, it helped me to comprehend myself alittle better.The book is a compilation of essays, interviews, andwritings by different creative individuals.From the flamboyant MayaAngenlou to the brilliant Federico Fellini.Probably the most moving andamusing segment of the book was the segment written by Frank Zappa, whoexplains creativity in a way that no other could.Sure genius. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Creation (Literary, artistic,    3. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    4. Creative Ability    5. Creativity    6. Philosophy    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help / Creativity   

Reviews (2)

Small Book, Huge Message
I loved THE CREATIVE LIFE by Eric Butterworth.I've been a long-time student of his books, and my favorites are DISCOVER THE POWER WITHIN YOU and SPIRITUAL ECONOMICS.I think THE CREATIVE LIFE is nearly as good as those two.This book is based around the seven keys that will release our creative genius within.Each chapter includes practical exercises to put these ideas into practice in everyday life.This book is small (just over 150 pages), but the ideas in it are huge.By putting these concepts to work in my life, I'm already seeing results.Highly recommended to everyone who has loved any of Mr. Butterworth's previous books, as well as readers new to his work.

Positive Thinking About Creativity with a Biblical Metaphor
Summary:The Creative Life captures many valuable dimensions of improving creativity.The book's metaphor to the seven days of creation in Genesis will excite much controversy among those who read this material differently that will detract from a focus on improving human creativity.The book's basic message is that God creates the potential for all things to exist, but many of them require co-creation by people to come into physical existence." . . . [Y]ou are no less creative than God Himself."Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Creative Ability    5. Creativity    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Christian life & practice    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Popular psychology    11. Self-Help / Creativity   

Reviews (38)

Another instance of Bloom's penchant for the flavor of the week
In the foreword to Long Day's Journey Into Night, copyright 1987, Bloom acknowledges Eugene O'Neill as America's leading dramaist, yet he is not included in this book.It seems that Tennessee Williams has taken his place.
Two and a half stars
Try and imagine you are a write for a sketch comedy along the lines of "Saturday Night Live." You are trying to come up with a skit parodying snooty intellectuals. No matter how talented you are, you would be unable to create a fictional satire as effective as the real live Harold Bloom.
Unimpressive and strange
'Genius' might be looked at as an annotated bibliography of 100 writers, with some summarizing of their lives, influences and major works.All the usual suspects are here which is fine, but Bloom's prose is rather turgid and strange. Now, Bloom considers 'strangeness' a necessary factor in a great work of literature, but Bloom doesn't write literature.I'm not quite sure what he writes but his style is certainly odd and obtuse: not in a Henry James elegant sort of way, but more like that of a runaway computer on ADD. There is something of a misnomer in the title and concept behind the title; of course he is talking about one type of genius: the literary variety.Additionally, the authors he cites may not have been geniuses in other parts of their lives.Although he does quote from primary texts, the quotations are so short to serve as illustrations that I don't see much point to it all.A far much better book(s) and unfortunately difficult to find is Kenneth Rexroth's Classics Revisted.There are two volumes, and each discusses 100 'great works.'Rexroth read as much as Bloom (believe it or not) and could read more texts in the original (for example, besides the European languages, Rexroth could read (and translate Chinese and Japanes).Additionally, he left school when he was eleven.Bloom seems so wrapped up in denying the significance of the post-modern take on literature, that he seems as embroiled in it as any aficianado.It's too bad he even pays them much mind. How long does one have to aver that McDonald's is not haute cuisine?Unfortunately Bloom's writing style doesn't do much to offer a sane alternative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Creative Ability    3. General    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature (General)    6. Psychology    7. Regional, Ethnic, Genre, Specific Subject    8. Literary Criticism & Collections / History & Criticism   

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• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (1)

Good Information better keep it handy
Leonardo is the best example of the great human potential.He stands out in mathematics, physics, engineering, aeronautics, architecture, drawing, painting and sculpture. Why could he master so many endeavors?Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Creative Ability    5. Creative thinking    6. Creativity    7. Unabridged Audio - Self Help    8. Cognition & cognitive psychology    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (14)

It's worth buying for the part on analog drawing
This book is not a substitute for Betty Edwards' basic book on drawing, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. This book is about the creative process. So it applies to more than drawing or even visual art.
Book is so-so
This book has some good information regarding different styles and techniques for drawing. The author is a little self absorbed throughout the book, and talks about herself and a class she teaches at a college. It goes fairly in depth on the thought process and workings of the brain.
Faith-HealingTestimonials and Pseudo-Science
LEARN-TO-DRAW:UNTHINKING PERSONS APPLY HERE!
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Creative Ability    4. Creative thinking    5. Individual Artist    6. Problem solving    7. Techniques - Drawing    8. Visual perception    9. Art / General    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (4)

Great Use of What Good Research Can Do Which is Limited
The limitations of this book do not come from its author.She has covered a tremendous territory in a superbly orderly, clear, convincing, rigorous fashion. Rather the limitations come from what modern best-practice social psychology research methods are capable of--not all that much. We have known for about a 100 years (more if you are willing to take aristocratic idea play as pseudo-research) that creators operate more out of intrinsic than extrinsic motivation. We have known common folk opinions about what aspects of extrinsic motivation hinder creation. We have even had sources that suggested something like a distraction effect--any extrinsic motive that takes your eye off your process-of-creating contents and onto goals not yet reached or results not yet gathered reduce the quality and intensity of your process of creating.So this was known before Amabile came along with the first really competent application of social psychology research methods from the publish-or-perish generation of scholars raised up in universities by an older generation that did not abide by publish-or-perish norms themselves though they imposed such norms on a younger generation. Great Use of What Good Research Can Do Which is Limited
The limitations of this book do not come from its author.She has covered a tremendous territory in a superbly orderly, clear, convincing, rigorous fashion. Rather the limitations come from what modern best-practice social psychology research methods are capable of--not all that much. We have known for about a 100 years (more if you are willing to take aristocratic idea play as pseudo-research) that creators operate more out of intrinsic than extrinsic motivation. We have known common folk opinions about what aspects of extrinsic motivation hinder creation. We have even had sources that suggested something like a distraction effect--any extrinsic motive that takes your eye off your process-of-creating contents and onto goals not yet reached or results not yet gathered reduce the quality and intensity of your process of creating.So this was known before Amabile came along with the first really competent application of social psychology research methods from the publish-or-perish generation of scholars raised up in universities by an older generation that did not abide by publish-or-perish norms themselves though they imposed such norms on a younger generation. Best Book for Understanding the Social Impact on Creativity
I am a management consultant for major corporations and also write business books.My clients frequently ask me to help them understand how to make their companies more creative.Almost all books on this subjectignore the influence of other people on the creative person.TeresaAmabile does just the opposite, and puts creativity into a context toexplain how to establish a creative environment for everyone.This book isan update of her earlier work, and the additions are very valuable.If youare a business person who wants to learn how to grow sales and profitsfaster, you need to understand the lessons in this book.She wrote asummary of this book recently in HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW that you may wantto read, also.CORPORATE CREATIVITY is another good book on this subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Creative Ability    2. Creativity    3. Motivation (Psychology)    4. Psychology    5. Social aspects   

Reviews (10)

Not very becoming
There is some value in this book. It offers a helpful emphasis on being attentive to the task at hand, being wholly involved with it as it really is. By looking at your own work without preconception, it becomes possible to grasp the happy accident or to use the flow of creativity to the fullest. Working without concern for what everyone else will say, it becomes possible to enjoy the moment for what it is, not for what someone says it should be. That much I can go along with.
Fun with Art
For an artist, increasing creativity may mean a lot of different things.It may mean finding new ways to look at the world that can then be transformed into a work.It may mean developing techniques that allow the artist to convert what he see into a work.It may mean removing some psychological obstacle that is preventing the artist from looking at the world in a particular way, or transforming that vision into a work.Or it may mean allowing oneself to get started in the entire process."On Becoming an Artist" seems to be aimed at this last situation.
Doctoral Student, Music Education
There is so much fear associated with performing, creating, or expressing any artistic endeavor.Langer holds up a mirror to these fears by describing many scientifically based experiments that reveal where the real problems lie:
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Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Creative Ability    3. General    4. Psychology    5. Psychology & Psychiatry / Creative Ability   

Reviews (9)

Insightful!
In theory and in summary, author Lynne C. Levesque's book sounds wonderful. Today's changing business environment pressures everyone to come up with creative ideas, but not everyone is creative, or so goes common thinking. Levesque argues that everyone is creative, or can be, but that there are different types of creativity. Working from a base in Jungian psychology, and writing somewhat stiffly, Levesque explains eight major types of creativity. She has clearly studied creativity thoroughly. She provides historic examples, quotations and countless tools - including an analysis of creative personality strengths based on the Myers-Brig Type Indicator - to support her thesis that minds work in different ways. Unfortunately, she gives little evidence that people become more creative when they follow her suggestions, and that's the rub. Her specific suggestions sound great, but idealistic: how many organizations have the resources to assemble teams with complementary creativity styles? As a result, we recommend this book to two groups of readers who may have the knowledge to get the most from it: those who welcome the theoretical discussion as well as the practical suggestions, and those who are devoted to fostering creativity.

**A valuable and different perspective **
I am an experience MBA, and I was skeptical about another venture into exploring my own creativity. Incredible resource!
Lynne's model of the 8 Talents of creative expression is a wonderful resource for creative individuals and innovative companies.Using the MBTI type criteria, she clearly describes each type in terms of creative strengths and weaknesses with helpful resolutions for collaboration.This book is a real breakthrough in the field of creativity.I highly recommend it to everyone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Creative Ability    5. Creative thinking    6. Creativity    7. Management - General    8. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator    9. Success    10. Success in business    11. Management & management techniques   

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics    4. Computer Graphics - Design    5. Computers    6. Computers - Other Applications    7. Creative Ability    8. Creativity    9. Self-Help    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    11. Image processing: graphics (static images)    12. Sales & marketing   

Subjects:  1. Congresses    2. Creative Ability    3. Decision making    4. Engineering - Industrial    5. Inspirational    6. Inspirational - General    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Problem solving    9. Psychology    10. Decision theory: general    11. Experimental psychology    12. Management decision making    13. Organizational theory & behaviour    14. Technology / Engineering / Industrial   

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Art therapy    3. Arts    4. Arts and children    5. Creative Ability    6. Education / Teaching    7. Elementary    8. Psychology    9. Study and teaching (Elementary)   

Reviews (6)

A record of how we honor ourselves
In our heady western culture it seems as if people put more energy and time into dating someone else instead of themselves. Julia Cameron's Artist Date book is a journal, memoir, and daily diary that acts as a testament of our self-love. Playful in its design and simple in its guidance. By taking ourselves out on Artist's date we open ourselves, and most critically - our hearts, to receive our natural artistic, soulful, and creative inheritance from the world. The best fiction tales are conceived on a date with oneself because the essence of our true voices are nourished.

disappointed
I really like "The Artists Way" program, and struggle to incorporate it into my life.I thought this would be a daily calendar of suggestions and inspiration for incorporating the artist way philosophy into my daily life.Instead it focuses on the concept of the "Artist Date" in a cartoonish trivial way.I realize now that I should have been prepared for it not to be a calendar, but I found it very disappointing and not up to the quality I expected from having read the original book.I will try to return it to Amazon, something I rarely (if ever) do.

amusing but unnecessary
the content of this book was very different than what i expected.i was expecting a book full of ideas for the WEEKLY "artist's date," but what i got was a DAILY cartoon book, offering SOME artist's date ideas, but mostly just cute (albeit inspiring) cartoons that don't pertain to the concept of the artist's date.the fact that it was a "daily" book, instead of weekly, is inconsistent with the author's suggestion for the artist's date.upon first glance, i found it both confusing and disappointing.not worth the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Creation (Literary, artistic,    3. Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)    4. Creative Ability    5. Creativity    6. General    7. Psychology    8. Self-actualization (Psychology    9. Self-actualization (Psychology)    10. Self-Help / Creativity    11. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (3)

Insight Into Creativity
Few will question that creativity is one of the most powerful assets a person can have. Yet, as this author observes, it is a strange, but a very real paradox that individuals and companies most in need of this priceless asset are, in fact, most resistant to learning how to acquire it. He believes creativity can be learned if your mind is open. He notes how creative children are, but how various forces in our culture destroy this gift of creativity in early childhood.
A fun read.
I liked this book. The author's effervescent enthusiasm bounces off the page and he passes along practical ideas for improving one's own creativity.Layout of the book is attractive with plenty of white space on each page.Good use of cartoons and inspirational quotes in themargins. An Amalgam
This book is an amalgam of bits and pieces and techniques and strategies from other books about creative thinking on the market. If the reader has read very little in the field, then this book might at least be a start. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Careers - General    2. Cognitive Psychology    3. Creative Ability    4. Creative thinking    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Psychology    7. Cognition & cognitive psychology    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (9)

It is the fundamental approach to Systems Thinking
This book got me into systems theory in a basic and safe manner without the jargon, the phylosophical mumbo-jumbo or esoteric theories, it accomplishes what the authors goal was, a practical no-nonsense guide for inmediate applications.
Good read but kind of light
"Art" of Systems Thinking was an illuminating book about the abstract concept of systems, and applying it to different practical instances. Overall it was interesting, but I expected it to be more mathematical and rigorous, instead of being more psychology based.

poorly designed book: not adequate for its' subject
It's hard to know what to say. There wasn't enough juice to this book that it kept my interest. The writing style is dull and pedantic, the examples are trivial, the illustrations useless. There is something fundamentally wrong with this entire genre of *thinking skills* books. The authors usually show little ability to relate complex, real world problem solving to higher models or theories. It appears that there are two classes of writer: those with much practical experience and good war stories who rely on instinct and intuition, and those who read like they have been up in their ivory towers and do nothing but trade academic papers back and forth. For some reason the two never meet so we are forced to choose between guys who don't know how to translate the thought processes behind their actions into words OR guys who have no idea of how they could bridge their concepts into profitable, concrete action. This book, r