"You stole my idea!" | "You're so unoriginal!" | "Wow, you really lack imagination and creativity!"
Those are some phrases that we've heard throughout our lives. But today, I want to dive deeper into the subject of originality and creativity.
Real Examples Comparison
- Let's look at one of the most recognized equations in the world created by Albert Einstein. How did he get to the E=mc² equation? Was he smart or was he immensely imaginative about the universe?
- Now let's look at Aaron Krause, a lesser known name but he's the founder of a company called Scrub Daddy, valuation at $500 Million in 2025, a company that specializes in creating cleaning sponge that changes texture based on water temperature with a smiley face for utensil cleaning applications.
^^^When you compare the these two men, both are quite successful in their own right. However, when you compare the two, most would argue that Einstein is more impactful on human development not only because of the applications derived from his equation but he's also seen as extremely creative and perhaps original. Yet very few can say the same about Mr. Krause, unless you have a lot of dishes to clean with quality care, which is need that most people desire, and that's why he's successful. An entrepreneur is only successful when he fills in need in society. Though Krause is also impactful on society, the fact is, his products are neither original or creative.
Questions to ponder:
Do we truly invent anything or just merely discovering new things along our journey?
Was the atomic bomb an invention or a discovery on how to manipulate atomic energy?
Is creativity and originality the same or different?
What constitutes as original?
Is true originality possible?
Where do we get our creativities from? (Memory, imagination, both?)
Are schools conducive to a creative atmosphere for children? Or do schools kill creativity in children?
Do you have to be original & creative to be successful?
How much similarities and differences between two people's ideas or concepts have to be before it's considered creative or original? At what point is it considered plagiarism?
***Entrepreneurship*** --> How patents determine what products and how much a product can resemble another similar product before leading to a patent infringement lawsuit?
Do people with entrepreneurial spirit have higher levels of creativity and or originality?
Is AI capable of creativity and originality? How might it be different or similar to humans' version?
Are humans special cognitively compare to other animals?
Guidelines:
- Hand raises are required.
- There will be a 3 minute timer for every person. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
- Be authentic & civil!
- Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. Instead, please attack the points from others. Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.
Zoom link will be posted 15 minutes before the meeting. (Refresh page 15 min before start time)
