Are Creative Minds Different?

Dr. Frank X. Barron once described the highly creative person as, ”both more primitive and more cultivated, more destructive, a lot madder and a lot saner than the average person.”

During the 1950’s and 1960’s, American psychologist and philosopher Frank X. Barron studied highly creative people, including writers, architects and even mathematicians. Dr. Barron and his colleagues carried out these studies at the Institute for Personality Assessment and Research, located at UC Berkeley.

In 1963, his studies led him to describe creative individuals as “occasionally crazier, yet adamantly saner” than the general population.

Not sure I appreciate him saying ‘crazier.’ I prefer, ‘passionate!’

This blog began at a moment when I was feeling ‘passionate’ about all the setbacks happening in my life. And one of my posts was about how this blog has been easing my anxiety. There’s a release and a relief that comes from this form of self expression. Which is probably how Dr. Barron also concluded that creative people are ‘adamantly saner.’ We use creativity to process our feelings in a healthy way.

Another thought from my own experience is that creative people take in the world much differently. I feel the impact of things around me and then use it as a source for my creativity. For example, last Sunday when I visited a redwood park, there was a calming effect that took place as I took in the majesty and tranquility of this beautiful place. While others may look at it and casually say, ‘Oh, that’s cool.’

My point is that because creative types see the world differently, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that we also think and process information a little differently. And being more in tune with the world around us can effect us in a much deeper way.

Which is why I have to be mindful of how much negativity I choose to take into my life. Like watching the news, or having conversations with negative people. Us creative types really thrive when we make the right choices for ourselves. So if you are one of us creative types, please be present in how the world is impacting you and don’t forget to find those creative outlets! ✍️ 🎭 🎨