Creativity Fundamentally Comes From Memorization

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the role of systems and memorization in enabling creativity. It argues that contrary to the common critique, having a "system" or framework can actually enhance creativity by allowing one to internalize the fundamentals and patterns of a domain, freeing up mental resources to focus on higher-level novelty and innovation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Bringing a "System" into Creative Outlets

1. What are some examples of "systems" the author uses in creative outlets?

• Written-down heuristics on best DJ transitions
• Breaking down the humor patterns of comedians and memes
• Checklists of best practices for competitive video games (e.g. Rocket League, Call of Duty)

2. How does the author respond to the critique that using a "system" stifles creativity?

• The author argues that creativity comes from connecting internalized concepts, and you can't be certain of novelty without familiarity of existing works.
• A "system" helps achieve autonomy quicker by:
  • Memorizing different classifications/patterns in a concept
  • Exposing oneself to a breadth of cases to match real-world examples to the learned patterns

3. How does the author view the relationship between memorization and understanding?

• The author argues that pattern recognition is a form of memorization, and that even rote memorization without understanding can create opportunities for understanding to manifest later.
• Memorization frees up mental resources to focus on higher-level novelty and creativity.

[02] Enabling Creativity through Systems and Memorization

1. How does the author provide examples of how systems and memorization enable creativity in different domains?

• In dance, once the fundamental movements are learned, dancers can improvise.
• In music, once music theory is learned, one can violate it in creative ways.
• In sales, once tactical delivery skills and questioning frameworks are internalized, the interactions become more fluid and creative.

2. What is the author's key insight about becoming more creative?

• If creativity comes from autonomy in multiple areas, then becoming autonomous in many domains can lead to more creativity.
• This can be within a single domain (e.g. fusing hip-hop and country) or across domains (e.g. startups combining expertise from different fields).

3. What does the author suggest as a path to becoming more creative?

• Learn lots of things in-depth and learn how to learn them fast.
• Embrace systems to achieve this, using them to free up mental resources from the basics so one can focus on the novel.