Creativity is sometimes seen as the domain of the young—an innate, unfettered spark that dims as we get older. But the truth is, creativity is not bound by age, nor is it confined to the arts. This issue of PCM aims to explore different forms of creativity and uncover how we can cultivate it at every stage of life. Whether through professional innovation, interpersonal problem-solving, or even just the way we navigate daily routines, creativity remains an integral part of human experience.
One of the most common misconceptions about creativity is that it belongs exclusively to artists, musicians, and writers. This issue challenges that notion by highlighting creativity in disciplines like science, programming, and even political protest. We speak with Sagehens who have harnessed creative thinking to revolutionize industries, researchers whose inventive approaches have led to groundbreaking discoveries, and individuals who have reimagined their lives in inspiring ways. Creativity, at its core, is about seeing possibilities where others see limitations.
Nurturing creativity later in life requires intention and curiosity. Small changes in our routines—such as picking up a new hobby, engaging in stimulating conversations, or simply allowing ourselves to actually make space for non-doing—can reawaken our imagination. We also examine the role of lifelong learning, the power of collaboration, and the importance of staying open to new perspectives. Creativity flourishes when we give ourselves permission to experiment, to fail, and to view things with a greater sense of both purpose and wonder.
In this fast-paced, technology-driven era, we often feel pressured to be productive rather than imaginative. But creativity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It fuels innovation, enriches our lives, and helps us adapt to an ever-changing world. I hope some of the topics posed in these pages invite you to explore, question, and reimagine the role of creativity in your own life. Let this issue be both a mirror and a catalyst, reflecting the creativity you already possess and inspiring new ways to express it. After all, creativity is not something we lose—it is something we continue to discover.
—Adam Conner-Simons ’08
Guest Editor