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On CreativityLearning To UnlearnMost of our teachings, whether they be physiological, religious, or scientific, tell more of our limitations than our abilities. We are taught what we cannot do or overcome. We are told of laws that limit the possibilities and, therefore, further define the impossible. These are laws of human behavior, laws of religion, or laws of science. All these laws do is define what is and limit our actions and imagination to what is considered possible. These laws contract rather than expand our horizon. There is nothing wrong with teaching and learning what is known for it provides a higher starting point for the rest of us. But we must not assume that what has been found is all that can be found. Any law, theory, or belief that imposes a limit should be considered suspect. What we consider a limitation or an impossibility today may change with more knowledge and more understanding. History should teach us that impossibilities have a way of disappearing when confronted by a determined, fearless, creative mind. Creativity knows no limits, accepts no impossibilities. Creativity breaks the bonds of our limits, first in thought then in action. Creativity is looking at the obvious from a different angle and asking, "Why can’t I…?" instead of stating, "It can’t be…". Creativity asks, "Why is this so?", and "Where is the proof?" because creativity understands that limits are impose by ignorance and fear. Creativity is belief in action. Belief tells us something is possible, creativity figures how to do it. Creativity helps turn belief into knowledge and knowledge into experience. Until belief becomes experience it is insufficient and unrewarding. Learning about limits is no the same as accepting those limits. We should learn what others have done and accomplished but we should use that knowledge to push back those limits. To accept what was taught 10 years or 1,000 years ago as truth is to limit our possibilities. Truth of one age is not the truth of another age. Truth is not universal or timeless. Truth changes as our understanding and knowledge changes - at least it should. We must always be willing to resist yesterday’s truth with today’s knowledge. Truth can only be timeless if we become stagnate and static. Creativity can prevent this by removing the fear of progress, allowing the unknown to become a challenge and a friend instead of an obstacle or a hindrance. Creativity seeks out the uncommon path, the unusual method, the untried idea. Creativity is suspicious of the "only way", the "usual way" or of anything "everyone" accepts or does. Creativity is not for the follower but rather for the leader. Creativity is not a desire for rebellion but rather a desire for enlightenment, a refusal to accept without investigation. Creativity fans the flame of curiosity. Creativity renews our life and refreshes our spirit. Creativity is learning to unlearn our limits and relearn our individuality. A true teacher teaches possibilities - not mere facts. Author: Don Miller
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