Inspired

March 15, 2022
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist explores creativity. In his latest investigation, New York Times reporter Richtel does not limit himself to artistic or scientific inspiration, emphasizing that creativity is an inborn human trait as natural as reproduction. "Creativity is...part of our more primitive physiology," he writes. "It comes from the cellular level, part of our most essential survival machinery. We are creativity machines." The result may not be a work of genius, but it is always characterized by originality, novelty, and meaning. As Richtel shows, it can also be disruptive, not always in a good way, and it invariably changes how we relate to the world. It's common knowledge that children possess open minds with creative imaginations, "generating random thoughts, concepts logical and mad." Unfortunately, according to pioneering studies, education, peer pressure, and parenting often quash this inborn creativity, resulting in the popular label "Fourth Grade Slump." Not every expert agrees, but it's a catchy phrase that undoubtedly contains an element of truth. "The number one enemy of creativity is perfectionism," writes Richtel. "There isn't even a close second-place enemy." In that vein, the author stresses the importance of permission. Research reveals a surprisingly laissez faire attitude in parents of creative children who raise them with far fewer rules. Studies also show that creativity doesn't necessarily follow along with IQ, but openness and curiosity are critical. Richtel presents a host of illuminating interviews with gifted individuals happy to reveal their insights. He pays closest attention to singer Rhiannon Giddens and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, but he also includes an entertaining chapter on Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who is "exceedingly open in a jock culture that can be very closed." There is no shortage of inspiring advice, as Richtel's definition of creativity broadens as the narrative proceeds. Eventually, it includes a vast swath of human behavior. Despite the author's warning that this is not a self-help book, readers will learn more about achieving personal fulfillment than the secrets of pure genius. An enthusiastic examination of the creative process.

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Starred review from April 4, 2022
Richtel (A Deadly Wandering), a science reporter for the New York Times, explores the origins and outcomes of creativity in this remarkable guide. Consulting musicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other creatives, Richtel argues that creativity “is as natural as reproduction itself” and looks at ways to nurture it. Speaking with a Stanford scientist studying PTSD, the author finds that creativity requires feeling safe and that even low-level anxiety can disrupt the process, though focused breathing has been shown to help. Richtel suggests that nature can be creative, too, and he compares the ingenuity involved in inventing penicillin to the craftiness that bacteria have displayed in response as they develop mutations that resist the drug. He examines the originality displayed by former U.S. chief justice John Marshall, NBA coach Steve Kerr, and even Jesus, concluding that curiosity and individuality are key components of creativity: “The secret ingredient to creativity is: you.” At once conversational and intellectual, Richtel’s lucid writing and intensive research showcase the many facets and manifestations of creativity. This profound and at times whimsical volume informs and inspires. Agent: Laurie Liss, Sterling Lord Literistic.

April 15, 2022
Anyone doing creative work lives for those "light bulb" breakthrough moments when ideas crystallize and new connections are forged that lead to scientific discovery or artistic accomplishment. In his latest book Richtel (An Elegant Defense, 2019), a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer for the New York Times, takes readers on a wide-ranging tour of such creative events, from the establishment of Protestantism to the discovery of penicillin, the writing of Judd Apatow's screenplays, and the making of a Taylor Swift album. Along the way, he argues that creativity is not the province of a few solitary intellectual geniuses. Instead, creativity thrives when people can collaborate, follow their curiosity, and, perhaps most importantly, when they are given permission to fail. With regards to the latter, Richtel compares human creativity to cellular creativity: as cells reproduce and create mutations, most new variations die out, just as most new ideas are destined to fail. Richtel concludes that perfectionism is the biggest obstacle to creativity. We need to be willing to produce many bad ideas in order to yield those few, glorious moments of illumination.

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