Against Creativity
A critical examination of how ‘creativity’ is used and abused in contemporary society.
Summary of 6 Key Points
Key Points
- Critique of the ‘creativity gospel’
- Creativity’s role in economic inequality
- The downside of creative cities
- Corporatization of creativity
- Creativity vs. genuine innovation
- Proposals for fostering true creativity
key point 1 of 6
Critique of the ‘creativity gospel’
The so-called ‘creativity gospel’ is the widespread belief that creativity is inherently beneficial, and that it is the ultimate agent of change and progress, an idea that is widely promulgated in modern society. However, a detailed examination reveals that this gospel is a myth, and creativity is not an unalloyed good. It can be harnessed for both positive and negative purposes, and can lead to both fairness and inequality. ..Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 6
Creativity’s role in economic inequality
Creativity in today’s society, particularly in the economy, is no longer a force for liberation. Instead, it has transformed into a mechanism for reinforcing economic inequality. The book argues that our current understanding of creativity has been distorted and co-opted by capitalist structures, leading to the elevation of certain types of ‘creative’ labor over others. This has resulted in a deepening of income disparities, where so-called creative industries and individuals accrue vast wealth while others are left behind…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 6
The downside of creative cities
The perspective of the downside of creative cities centers around the notion that creativity, while often lauded as a driver of innovation and progress, can also have negative impacts on urban environments. The book argues that the push for creativity in cities often leads to gentrification, displacing lower-income residents in favor of wealthier individuals attracted by a city’s ‘creative’ image. It can exacerbate social and economic inequalities as creative industries frequently rely on precarious work, low pay, and exploitative practices…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 6
Corporatization of creativity
The corporatization of creativity is viewed as a process where creativity is no longer an individual or artistic endeavor but has become a commercial commodity. This perspective scrutinizes the way businesses and corporations harness creativity, often resulting in a formulaic or standardized approach to innovation. Creativity, once a spontaneous and unique process, is turned into a tool for marketing, profit-making, and meeting market demands. The uniqueness and spontaneity of creative output, therefore, can be compromised…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 6
Creativity vs. genuine innovation
Creativity, as defined in the modern sense, is often understood as the act of producing new ideas, approaches or actions. It has become a highly valued quality in contemporary society, often framed as a panacea to modern economic, social, and political issues. However, the book proposes a critique of this widely accepted concept of creativity, arguing that it has distorted and diluted the essence of genuine innovation. Instead of being a genuine catalyst for societal improvement and progress, creativity is now associated with superficial, quick-fix solutions that lack depth and sustainability…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 6
Proposals for fostering true creativity
The book argues that today’s corporate approach of promoting ‘creativity’ often results in the opposite effect. It points out that creativity, in its true sense, is about breaking boundaries, challenging status quo, and deriving novel solutions. However, in the current workspace, creativity is often defined by pre-set boundaries and guidelines, stiferring the real essence of creativity to thrive. This scenario often promotes mediocrity and a pre-defined pathway that employees are expected to follow, rather than fostering individuality and original ideas…Read&Listen More