The Creativity Advantage

Discusses why creativity matters and how it can benefit everyone via self-insight, healing, connection, drive, and legacy.

James C. Kaufman (Author)

9781009244565, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 June 2023

216 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.46 kg

'A new book, The Creativity Advantage by James Kaufman (one of the authors of Teaching Creativity in the Common Core) neatly fills this hole. James provides us with an easy to read overview of research into creativity (in a somewhat quirky style, but which works) and delves into some of the benefits of creativity (beyond the obvious). The whole narrative is illustrated with anecdotes to help make the ideas concrete for the read. It's now my go-to recommendation for a a good introductory book on creativity.' Peter Evans-Greenwood, RMIT University, Australia

Creativity is usually seen as a good thing, but why? The Creativity Advantage first offers an overview of creativity studies with an emphasis on the little-discussed benefits of being creative. These include how creativity can lead to self-insight, help people heal, forge connections with others, inspire drive, and enable people to leave behind a meaningful legacy. Written in an engaging style and illustrated with interesting anecdotal material, this book offers a new perspective on creativity scholarship that can serve as an introduction to the field for newcomers or as a way to encourage new avenues for research.

Preface
Part I. The Basics of Creativity: 1. To define the undefinable
2. From tiny to small. 3. How everyday magic works
4. Stumbling toward genius
5. An overwhelming question
Part II. The Benefits of Creativity: 6. Self-insight
7. Healing
8. Connection
9. Drive
10. Legacy
Afterword.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]