Creativity = freedom + not to know the solution in advance.
I came across this definition on August 17th. A friend gave it to me during our usual Monday walk-and-talk.
He is currently finishing her university training to become a mathematics teacher, while I approached the equation using mathematical methods.
Let’s rearrange it!
I do not dispute the basic definition.
I am certain that truly creative work can only emerge from a blend of (great) freedom and a generous dose of spontaneity, instinctiveness, and a “free spirit.” Rules, expectations, and the definition of an expected outcome make creative work difficult.
But that is not the aspect of the definition that struck me. And I only realized this later.
The terms of an addition can be swapped. It is a basic mathematical rule: addition is commutative.
So, my formula looks like this:
Freedom = creativity + not to know the solution in advance.
Mathematically, of course, I am cheating here. The commutativity of addition does not entitle me to do this. If I were to rearrange the equation properly, it would turn into subtraction. But it wasn’t the mathematical truth of the equation that captivated me; rather, it was the fact that, when viewed from a different angle, those same three concepts suddenly began to speak about me.
How do I view this in my own life?
The question of freedom often comes up in my conversations—and sometimes in my writing, too. A year and a half ago—back during my preparation period—I even wrote about it in a post titled “Freedom, selfish freedom.”
In instances like this—when I have related posts on a topic—I usually go back and read my earlier writing. Since that piece contained a definition, I can now revisit what I thought back then. Here it is:
Let me describe my definition of freedom once again: I do activities that fill me with joy and build me up, on a physical, spiritual, or both levels.
In this case, a change in definition is clearly taking place as far as I am concerned. If I really wanted to, I could certainly force it to fit—with a bit of mental gymnastics—by claiming, “See? I said so a year and a half ago!” But that wouldn’t be true.
The current definition complements my earlier concept. The constituent elements are, from this point on:
- An activity performed with joy. There is one reason why I do not equate this with creativity (thereby avoiding a logical fallacy): for me, activities that bring joy can be entirely devoid of creativity.
- Creativity. This is the middle layer. I picture it in an interesting way. Doing something creative—or perhaps something involving a new kind of creativity—certainly brings me a great deal of joy. Yet, it is not a standalone condition.
- The unknown. A very interesting parameter. My current life shows me what it is like to be in a situation where “not knowing the solution in advance” is a factor. It is exciting. Mystical. Unmistakably liberating.
This is how my own formula took shape:
Freedom = Joy ∨ Creativity + not to know the solution in advance.
Naturally, this is just a playful exercise with mathematics. After all, I haven’t discovered a mathematical formula, but rather a metaphor in the form of a formula. Let it remain just a game!
Work performed with joy—presumably creative work—without a tangible output: for me, that is freedom.
It is no coincidence that, for months now, I have felt how much joy my projects—”The Miracle Is Already Here,” “I Chose Happiness,” and the book-writing bring to my life.
And freedom. The freedom of my soul.
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