Following my post on Aron Wiesenfeld, who emphasized solitude and independence in his creative process, this video touches on the same subject but comes at it from a more social angle. Being an introvert in our society is a bit difficult, as we are expected to act like extroverts in order to be successful. Introverts are a little under half of people, but that's a large group to be discriminating against socially. I've definitely felt insecure about my introversion, which is different from shyness. In fact, I wouldn't say I'm very shy at all, but I'm very introverted. But I feel like I have to project myself as an extrovert, otherwise I'll be labeled standoffish or somehow unfriendly.
Susan Cain also discusses how the current model of 'groupthink' is debilitating to the creative process. Because yes, we are all more creative when we are left alone. When placed in a group setting, you will unintentionally behave differently because of social programming. Cain suggests that this new paradigm of group work, in schools and in the business world, is ineffective and should be reconsidered. That's not to say working with a group is not an essential part of the creative process, but that it is currently overused to the point that it is crippling the process.
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