How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery. Kevin Ashton.
The author begins the book by quoting a forged letter from Mozart which described his creative process of writing music as something that is effortless and involves inspiration that comes to mind and music with little effort or edit involved. The forgery speaks to the creative myth that innovation happens with dramatic insight, more like magic and with less hard work involved.
How to Fly a Horse is about debunking the creativity myth and reinforces the notion that creative innovation involves a tremendous amount of hard work and perseverance. Creativity is an ordinary process of continuous work and effort. The author goes on to cover a brief history of discoveries (e.g., the discovery of vanilla) and inventions (e.g., Wright brothers’ aircraft and first flight) and how these innovations shed light on the creative process as steady work in progress.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The pages bulge with countless insights and ideas. I could read this book several times and discover a new angle on creativity each time I read it. Below are just a few of the notes I found stirring towards deeper inspiration.
Creativity
- Creativity is an ordinary process that can generate extraordinary results
- Ordinary act with extraordinary outcome
- Creativity is not something we do; it is something we are (p. 11)
- We are all born to be creative – everyone can do it
- Invention is the result of ongoing incremental changes
- Creative thinking is a special kind of problem-solving behavior (p. 16)
- Creative thinking happens in gradual steps, not leaps, through iterative problem-solving
- Says to self, “I can make this better.” (p. 37)
- Creation is execution, not inspiration (taking action, not just ruminating on ideas)
- Creation is action, not conversation (p. 223)
- Innovation is a series of repetitive failures that eventually leads to success
- Failure is lesson, not loss – it teaches us how to be better
The real secret of the arts is to always be a beginner. Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
Perspective
- You consciously decide what has meaning and what does not
- When we change what has meaning, we change what we see (p. 109)
- You change direction when you take steps not in making leaps
- When you can change your mind, you can change anything (p. 111)
Work is the soul of creation…To create is work. It is that easy and that hard. Kevin Ashton
Where do you find meaning in your life and how does this change your perspective?
What are the smalls steps you take in daily life to spark your creative process?
How do you express your creativity?
Work your best at being you. That’s where home is. Bill Murray
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