Albert Einstein was one such creative thinker. Einstein although famed for his brilliant mathematical mind and contributions to physics, was also a poet. It was his understanding of the importance and necessity of creativity on any chosen path that contributed to his genius. He once stated that “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree*.”
Science united with creativity is a powerful combination. As Einstein demonstrated, a theoretical physicist can write a poetry journal. An artist can write a novel or build a house. And a housewife can make an impact in changing consciousness by composing music.
Einstein wrote more than 400 poems during his career, many of which were casual or humorous. He also enjoyed playing the violin. Although Einstein's artistic pusuits were never taken seriously by his peers, he believed that they supported and contributed to his scientific work.
The Need for Flexible Skills
Creative individuals like Einstein are flexible, can improvise, think quickly and make the necessary spontaneous decisions required in the work environment. These are the skills that will be needed in the ever-changing modern working world.
These creative skills were triggered on a large scale during the major recession in 2009. Mass redundancy has been a catalyst for change and shaken people way out of their comfort zones. But what of the younger generations that have grown up in such uncertain and fast changing times?
Young People Choosing Careers
Young people seem to be more adaptable to change, flexible and open to new ideas. These are fitting traits for this new decade in which the term ‘job security’ is near null and void. There has never before been so much choice in determining which career path to take in life. With many twenty to thirty somethings having already tried several career options, these generations are not defined by what they do.
People are a culmination of all the experiences of their lives to date, molding them into the individuals they become. Each experience and opportunity is like a new tool in a toolbox. And once a tool has been used, it can always be picked up again later in life. There are no limitations for new generations. The challenge facing them is choosing where to go on the multitudes of roads available.
A Multi-Disciplinary Generation
Due to the increasing need for adaptability, young people today will grow into the most multi-disciplinary generation to date. There may not be the same need to specialise in certain subjects as a more inter-related approach to working is required.
Although Einstein was a perfect example of how to be flexible and think creatively, there are more modern role models required. Young people need an education system that supports a much more integrated and balanced way of learning and those modern role models to show them the way.
*Quote- Wikipedia-Einstein Quote of the Day, 23/12/09
Sources:
Creative Thinking With Albert Einstein
Poetry in Motion for Einstein Scholar
Jane Alexandra Cormack - Jane currently works as a director and facilitator of her own company, Rhythm In Colour. These workshops connect women through creativity ...
Join the Conversation