TED Talk: “Your elusive creative genius” by “Eat, Pray, Love” author Elizabeth Gilbert

Categories Blogs, Out of the Universe

(Originally posted in the blog, Out of the Universe)

Thanks to this great playlist by TED, we can watch more videos related to the birth and spread of new ideas, the discovery and cultivation of creativity, and other videos that are sure to inspire creativity, innovation, or at least the challenging of the status quo.

This next video I’m featuring on my blog is a TED talk by Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert on our “elusive creative genius.” One line that struck me during her talk is when she pointed out how we’ve been taught and conditioned to think and believe this line:

“Creativity and suffering are somehow inherently linked, and that artistry, ultimately, will always lead to anguish.”

She talks about the dangers of this “odious” assumption and of how a simple change in perspective–rooted in the ancient Greeks and Romans, and shared even by today’s contemporary creatives–can “change everything” and make the creative process a little less daunting and a little more awe-inspiring.

This made my tear up a bit and recognize some wildly creative minds around me. Do watch the video–especially if you’re in need of inspiration–and do share your thoughts here. 🙂

Communicator, Connector, Changemaker | Co-founder and Chief Fireball of Kick FIre Kitchen | Prolific writer and public speaker | Startup mentor and educator