Old Idea New Again

When it was written back in 2002, it caused quite a stir in the book world. Much like “Passages” written by Gayle Sheehy, “The Rise of the Creative Class” seemed to usher in a new insight into our working-class world. It was a new category of worker, their lifestyle, associated urban planning, and the future of the workplace.

Now, with the miles traveled in our rearview mirror, we can look back on the pronouncements, predictions, and analysis that Richard Florida gave us and see what he got right and what missteps he might have taken. Even before the disruptions of the pandemic, there definitely was a trend toward a more creative approach in the workforce. During the pandemic, with working at home becoming the norm, this new style of workforce endeavors had become solidified in America and abroad.

Overall, Mr. Florida got it right. Over the years, the creative class has been defined, redefined, analyzed and pronounced still-born. Yet, it’s still with us in one form or another. The COVID 19 pandemic did much to prove the validity of working from home, despite its many flaws, and the growth of creative endeavors that came out of it.

The author of this latest book I’ve read on creativity has an interesting perspective on the subject. He says: “Academics have tried to measure the links between intelligence and genius. But intelligence is not enough. After a considerable debate in the sixties, psychologists have reached the conclusion that creativity is not the same as intelligence. An individual can be far more creative than he or she is intelligent, or far more intelligent than creative.”

The bottom line is that creativity, in one form or another, is still a life force to be reckoned with for so many people. Young people have wisely embraced this new mantra of work much to the concern of some older more established high priests of business, commerce and politics. But creativity isn’t just reserved for the younger worker, it can be everywhere.

Creativity in our everyday life can be all around us. We just have to open our eyes to the possibilities. It can be in the arts, in seemingly mundane activities as well as productive enterprises of every form, function, and scope.

I have found it in my writing. Sharon has captured it in her art. Many of our friends have embraced activities such as woodworking, acting in plays and movies and a host of other creative endeavors.

Simple things too like creative cooking and gardening are also good examples. ‘Earthing,’ also known as grounding, involves direct skin contact with the Earth, such as walking barefoot. It’s one approach to adopting chemical-free, eco-friendly practices in maintaining soil health, biodiversity and eliminating toxin exposure to people and pets. Eating well is no different; same concept, different receptacle.

Over the years, I’ve explored different creative approaches to life including an exploration of the mind. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga and other forms of mental relaxation have helped me juice up the creative process inside my head. It didn’t hurt to relax the body at the same time.

Ultimately what we are talking about is living our lives creatively, grasping all the wonderful opportunities around us and building a more fulfilling lifestyle in which to grow as a person. It’s being true to ourselves, our wants and wishes; our own version of True North. True North is a standard against which all courses are measured. It is the best way for us to live and be honest with ourselves and to do it creatively.