The Act of Creation
The Act of Creation
Arthur Koestler
Adam Robinson
[One of five books that confirm] there is far, far more in our unconscious mind than is dreamt of in our philosophy. - Adam Robinson
Patrick O'Shaughnessy
My favorite book on creativity. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
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The Act of Creation

The Act of Creation

Arthur Koestler
By
Arthur Koestler
4.3
39
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Act of Creation," Arthur Koestler embarks on a groundbreaking journey into the enigmatic world of human creativity, venturing beyond the frontiers of conventional psychology. With masterful insight, Koestler proposes a radical theory: our highest creative achievements spring from a unique state of mind where the rational gives way to the unconscious, where dreams and trancelike states become the fertile soil for innovation and discovery. Through a series of compelling examples across science, art, and humor, Koestler illuminates the shared patterns and processes that underlie the creative act, inviting readers to reconsider the origins of inspiration and genius. Koestler's exploration is both wide-ranging and profound, dissecting the moments of breakthrough that have marked human progress. He argues that true creativity transcends the barriers between the rational and the irrational, enabling the mind to make previously unseen connections. "The Act of Creation" is not just a book about creativity; it is a luminous guide to navigating the complexities of the creative mind, offering invaluable insights into the nature of the creative process and its impact on society. It is a seminal work that continues to resonate, challenging us to rethink the essence of creativity itself.

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Released
1964
1 Jan
Length
752
Pages

2

recommendations

recommendation

[One of five books that confirm] there is far, far more in our unconscious mind than is dreamt of in our philosophy. - Adam Robinson
My favorite book on creativity. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.
— Arthur Koestler, The Act of Creation

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