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)

9781009244558, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 June 2023

243 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.2 cm, 0.32 kg

'The Creativity Advantage is the one truly scientific book on how creativity can be utilized to make people happy and satisfied in their lives. When schools fail to develop creativity, they also fail to bestow upon their students one of the very best tools - creativity - for living a happy and productive life. This book is scientific, but also readable, entertaining, and full of interesting case studies and anecdotes. The author, perhaps the most world-renowned scholar on creativity of his generation, has bestowed upon the world the creative advantage of his marvelous and engaging prose. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to turn their creativity to their own advantage - and that of others as well.' Robert J. Sternberg, Cornell University, USA and University of Heidelberg, Germany

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]