This reminds me of something that Johann Hari said in his book “Stolen Focus”. He says that creativity is not creating something new because there is nothing really new in this world. Creativity is taking things that already exist and making new associations or connections between them. In today’s society, we don’t let our minds wander, we are constantly connected to a never ending digital scroll and therefore our minds don’t have the space to make those connections.
I think it’s so true that the art today reflects the state of our society. I’ve never thought of it that way but it rings true (your article images notwithstanding).
I love the idea that “copying” G-d is a way of creating something new, and I loved the last line: “It’s ok to think of ourselves as copycats, but know that we are also creators.”
I haven't read stolen focus (my father in law tells me its amazing) but I have come across that idea before. I think I heard Ora Wiskind say it in her interview with 18forty.
Beautiful devar Torah. But on the subject of copycat art, there's a wonderful book about how all art is new recombinations of what came before: STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST by Austin Kleon.
I thought of writing my own article on "creative copycatting." I'm a fanfic writer, so it comes rather naturally. But I felt bad for relating more to the secular discussion than the Torah, even though your statement about emulation of Hashem is beautiful.
I found it to be really thought provoking while at the same time not being the best book in terms of how scientific it is. Definitely an interesting book though.
I haven’t listened to that one yet, but yeah, I’m sure he didn’t come up with that idea.
It’s possible to be innovative by letting God (the universe if you an atheist) open you to the world created (by God or evolution) and letting your consciousness explore your relationship with the one and the many. Check out www.thejewishbrand.com to see an example of innovation born of tradition . God is good, and good is God is all you need to guide you in creativity .
Wow! Another outstanding piece Yaacov.
This reminds me of something that Johann Hari said in his book “Stolen Focus”. He says that creativity is not creating something new because there is nothing really new in this world. Creativity is taking things that already exist and making new associations or connections between them. In today’s society, we don’t let our minds wander, we are constantly connected to a never ending digital scroll and therefore our minds don’t have the space to make those connections.
I think it’s so true that the art today reflects the state of our society. I’ve never thought of it that way but it rings true (your article images notwithstanding).
I love the idea that “copying” G-d is a way of creating something new, and I loved the last line: “It’s ok to think of ourselves as copycats, but know that we are also creators.”
Thanks so much!
I haven't read stolen focus (my father in law tells me its amazing) but I have come across that idea before. I think I heard Ora Wiskind say it in her interview with 18forty.
Beautiful devar Torah. But on the subject of copycat art, there's a wonderful book about how all art is new recombinations of what came before: STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST by Austin Kleon.
Thanks for the recommendation, I will be having a look!
I thought of writing my own article on "creative copycatting." I'm a fanfic writer, so it comes rather naturally. But I felt bad for relating more to the secular discussion than the Torah, even though your statement about emulation of Hashem is beautiful.
I found it to be really thought provoking while at the same time not being the best book in terms of how scientific it is. Definitely an interesting book though.
I haven’t listened to that one yet, but yeah, I’m sure he didn’t come up with that idea.
It’s possible to be innovative by letting God (the universe if you an atheist) open you to the world created (by God or evolution) and letting your consciousness explore your relationship with the one and the many. Check out www.thejewishbrand.com to see an example of innovation born of tradition . God is good, and good is God is all you need to guide you in creativity .