Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite articles: “The importance of stupidity in scientific research” by Martin Schwartz from the Journal of Cell Science.
Don't let its title or source put you off. It has EVERYTHING to do with the creative process.
As composers, we reach a point when our teachers, mentors, and theory knowledge become less useful. Not because they have nothing more to teach us, but because the creative problems you face are YOUR problems.
Others may have solved aspects of them, but no one has solved the specific combination you have (often hazily) in mind.
Yes, that can make you feel stupid.
But knowing that no one but you has these creative answers can be liberating.
"It allows us,” Schwartz says, “to bumble along, getting it wrong time after time, and feel perfectly fine as long as we learn something each time.
“No doubt, this can be difficult for students who are accustomed to getting the answers right.
“No doubt, reasonable levels of confidence and emotional resilience help, but [we need to recognize that we are making] a very big transition:
“From learning what other people once discovered to making your own discoveries."
👉 Read Schwartz’s full article here.
Then, let me know in the comments: How do Schwartz’s thoughts inspire you in your creative process?
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