Humans Need Creativity
We evolved because of our creativity... So let's use it.
I am not a scientist. You’ll find many other, well-researched publications on this topic. I’m not even here to tell you all of the facts, those who have done the research have done that already.
I’m here to share my own recent revelation on this topic from a trip I took last week. As a kid I identified as being creative. Unfortunately “real life” got in the way over time and for most of my schooling and career building years, I put creative pursuits aside.
Last week I took my first solo trip in over a decade. I met with a friend who lives in Mexico City, and left all of my responsibilities behind for a week. This being the first trip I’ve ever taken with a sketchbook in my bag and art on the mind, I found myself discussing the topic of creativity several times over the course of the week.
A trip to the Anthropology Museum solidified this idea.1
Humans are made to be creative.
We evolved to be creative. We evolved (unlike our other close evolutionary relatives) BECAUSE we were creative.
We adapt(ed) to harsh environments, and solve(d) complex problems with our creativity.
I saw so much evidence of this in the museum…
Until recently, humans used to make nearly everything we needed in order to survive with out own hands. We made our own homes/shelter, our own clothing, our own food, our own toys and games, our own music, our own jewelry, and our own art. We had more leisure time for creative pursuits, but even without it creativity was build into everyday life.
I’m sure there is an argument that many people today are still using their creativity in their day-to-day lives and work. We still employ creative solutions to accomplish our goals, but how often do modern humans create with our hands? Something outside of a screen?
What is something you enjoy creating that you don’t get to do as often as you’d like?
Is one of your goals for retirement to become an artist? Why wait?
I’m here to argue that you should do it, and do it now. You NEED to do it. Art and creativity help with fulfillment, emotional regulation, relationships, and more. What is it you are yearning to do or create?
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Post in the comments below your story of creativity. Have you remained creative your whole life? Did you lose your creative support somewhere along the way and are looking to bring it back? What project or art is on your horizon?
I can’t wait to see what you make.
Lana
P.S. I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to sketch and paint, but here are a few drawings I did while on my trip.
P.P.S. Some additional photos below:
Online you can find a number of peer reviewed articles to support the following ideas:
A. That humans evolved because of their creativity and
B. That even modern humans need more creativity in their lives to function at their best.