I find it pretty interesting how we try how best to preserve how we are perceived by others, especially in regards to our sanity. This can be found evident in the conformist theory, whereby, most people tend to go for the popular option or trend.
When taking a look at creativity, It is observed that creativity often times run contrary to the conformist theory. Creativity often involves standing out from the crowd but the process or journey of standing-out does come with its struggles when it comes to public perception.
ARE YOU INSANE?
This is a question often asked when someone does something totally outside the box and non-conformist, in an effort to preserve the traditional definition of sanity. A creative person can be exposed to such criticism. I'm trying not to cheapen the severity of mental illness but in this scope of my discussion in regards to creativity, I would like to say that sanity is overrated.
For instance, The mad genius paradox by Simonton DK, tries to talk about a connection between the mental state and creativity. Although when taking a closer look at this paradox, it does not have a great impact in the creative world because it is mostly linked to extremely creative genius which is about 1% of the whole creative world.
Even though creative people are often times medically sane there still lies a social implication of being tagged crazy when people are exposed to an extremely creative person. That is where the non-conformity comes in place.
SEEING THINGS THAT AREN'T THERE
We often take pride in our perception, how we see, hear, taste or feel, but our perception can oftentimes be flawed. we are poor data receivers, that is why we have to rely on technology and methods of measuring perception the right way.
Even though our senses of perception is very poor compared to other creatures around us, In our everyday living, supposedly "sane" and "perfect" perception is often praised and cherished.
But in the creative world, it seems to be the opposite, the theory of imperfect perception is totally embraced. In fact, many creatives even go to the extent of taking substances to induce hallucinations.
It's no wonder, hallucinations are cheerished in the creative community because in order to create something unique or out of this world, you cannot rely on the normal things you see around you.
The process of creation often times involves seeing things that aren't there, hearing things in your head, a state that could be likened to insanity, the ability to draw from hallucinations and translate them into finished works is what makes creativity to stand out.
Thanks for reading my friends, until next time :-)
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