Creativity must out!

        We, as a race are so wonderfully creative..aren't we. When you think where man began, dressed in furs, or living in caves somewhere, how little he had in material terms. Then remember that everything we enjoy, or moan about in some cases today, was once just an idea in someone's head. Then that person, or someone else, found a way to make it work, to bring it through into reality. They actually created it...made an idea into an reality. Sorted out the nuts and bolts of it so to speak. It became concrete, it became a object. Three dimensional. Something you can touch, or use. Hold, able to do a task for you. Or help you with a problem. Incredible, it really is amazingly incredible. Mind blowing in the extreme. That's how creativity works.

          Once you begin thinking about it, you know, or at least begin to get a glimpse of how imaginative and creative man really is! Because it never stops does it. Do we ever get to the point where we say, as a nation, or a race, that's far enough. Nothing else will be created. We are not thinking about anything anymore, we will no longer use our imagination. No we don't. Ok sometimes we should have. The nuclear bomb, chemical warfare, things like that. Would have been better left undone. (Or would they...might not having them, have meant worse atrocities of other kinds) Except in many cases the actual knowledge and technology invented and then used in these weapons was not intended to be used in that way at all. Something the imaginative inventor surely decried when they realised its significant change of use. The change of direction someone else took it, or forced them to take. But as with any inventions, how long do ideas stay the property of the inventor. No, they don't. they go to the money men. Those people who decide they have invested wealth in this idea, making it theirs. They decide how something is used, every time. You could almost see them as parasites on to men's creativity.

         We are able to create the small stuff without getting into trouble can't we? The books we write, the paintings we create, the buildings we design, the intrastructure, the mechanics problems, the computerised gadgets....I just can't seem to get away from the effect of computers on society can I. No! All of these things have been strictly culled, or censored at one time or another throughout history. The people in charge, often don't want the equilibrium upset. They like to maintain the 'status quo' . Therefor, new ideas new concepts, different ways to operate, or live, can upset their position. Their point of power....not good for them. No, power is money, money is power. I always like the verse:

           Power corrupts, but absolute power, corrupts absolutely.

           Think of any dictator, no one person should have too much power. It doesn't end well. That's pretty clear I think, but simple creativity, can have something of the same journey. Perhaps the same results. A creative person, a creative society, must have an outlet. Of course, I'm talking about myself here. I must have a creative outlet. I. Must be able to do something creative...or I would explode. I have a friend who says 'people only ever talk about themselves.' As if we cannot ever put ourselves in another's place. As if it's impossible to talk of anyone else's situation. As if it's not possible to reason and explore ideas or concepts, solely our own experience.....beyond that, nothing! I find that insulting in the extreme. I like to think I can be empathetic to another's situation, see what drives or restricts them. I know. It's a fine line from there to being condescending...As in saying 'I know how you feel after your tragedy.' Kind of thing. Which of course is pretty difficult if you have had no experience of anything remotely the same. 

            In the meantime, we, as individuals, must write, must paint. We must compose, sing, make music, or dance, build houses, or even simply knit for goodness sakes. It's all making something out of nothing. It's creativity, pure and simple. The world would be much the poorer without such a wealth of interests and creative people. It would be all together a flatter and duller place to live. Creativity should be encouraged. Both in education and out of it. But what gets cut first in times of economy. The creative aspects of school, that's what. The art, the music and such Iike, as if they are merely pastimes, time fillers, or a waste of money and of no worth.

              Imagination should be fostered. Stimulated, drawn out of children and conserved. It's magic, it's fantasy, it's  what we all need for goodness sake. It helps us get through the hard times, through the mundane, through the times of trouble. You know it's been discovered that during times of economical distress, as in the current world recession, magic heals! Suddenly books, films, interest and ideas abound about anything to do with fantasy, or magical realms, strange beasts, quests. In fact the interest in anything other than the mundane expands. Wenneed magic and imagination to live our lives fully. It is never a waste a time or effort.

            I realise, that many of us have no appreciation for the fantastical. I have heard people express scathing opinions of 'such rubbish'.but I stand by my feeling that fantasy is not only desirable, but necessary. Creativity and creative people are the life blood of society. It is the basis of why we no longer live as cave dwellers, or hunters and gatherers. Why we have cities, cars, space travel, films, orchestras and a million other wonderful aspects to enjoy in our lives. Art and creativity enriches us. It makes us better, more rounded people. It sensitises us, draws us away from the more primal animal within.

            This whole blog began because a dear friend was banned from practicing his flute outside, or inside the house. Newly discovered, trying to learn, it is as if someone has shown him oxygen, let him taste, then cut it off!  I feel his frustration, his loss. What do you do, lose your home, or your flute. Yes, he practices, yes he is not able to play well yet, but how will he ever? If no one can practice their skills, how can they become virtuosos. I find his dedication, his love of playing and his determination to improve inspiring. In a short time, he has already improved immensely. How can people be so small minded and selfish. This in brasil, where noise is always crazy, where there is no peace to be found anywhere. Can one small practise size flute be so annoying? I share the house, it didn't annoy me. Really, we must value creativity. It could be worse, it could have been drums!

          Let's all remember how important it is to give others some freedoms, within certain boundaries. He doesn't play in the middle of the night, or even late at night. Let us remember that even Beethoven had to practice, as did every other musician. Imagine a world without musicians. If you have someone learning a musical instrument near you, be generous. Give them time to learn and to practice. Don't be one of those people who can see no further than their own nose. Be nice to musicians...Evn those practicing.

        Keep creating out there........it is vital!