[xw390111]

Probably we need a firmer definition of "create" but I think the main thing that holds people back is it takes a ton of work and focus to get to state-of-the-art in most fields. Many people won't be able to receive that kind of training and make that kind of investment in time for many reasons. So already it's going to be rare. Then combine that with your reasons, and it's super rare. On the other hand, the population is big, so it does happen. :)

[smeej]

I think the main thing that holds people back is an inability to imagine the world's being fundamentally different than it is, or maybe a willingness to accept the world's staying pretty much like it is. I don't actually know whether people can't create or just won't create.

I hadn't read this story before, but it helped bring into relief the frustration that has always haunted me, this sense that, no, the world actually must be different than people believe it is and can be. There must be something that actually can be done, that it doesn't have to be this way and actually ought not.

I've spent my whole life looking for that flash of recognition in someone else's eyes that they know it too, but have searched tens of thousands of faces in vain.

[KerrAvon]

That’s simply not how people work. Everyone is programmed by environment and genetics. Breaking your programming requires a change in perspective (remember Alan Kay: “point of view is worth 80 IQ points”) — whether forced by circumstance, chemicals, or boredom.

[bruce511]

>> "I've spent my whole life looking for that flash of recognition in someone else's eyes that they know it too.

That's somewhat orthogonal to creation. Although it is something some creators see, and set out to change it.

But the group who can see a different, say, social structure, are distinct from creators. Creators create, not to change things, but because that's how they are. Changers can see a different path, and are frustrated that change is hard.

Both are small minorities, with some overlap, but are distinct groups.

Incidentally there are lots of population groups around the world, in every country. The Amish, which gave rise to this thread, are an example of that.

[smeej]

There might be a level of changers like you mean, but they're not the people I'm looking for either. That's just making the world slightly different.

The people I'm looking for are the ones who have actually had to grapple with why there is anything, rather than nothing at all. Nothing before them is taken for granted as necessarily so.

Those are creators, and most people never ask the questions.

[bruce511]

Firstly, I wouldn't use the term "holding back", because creators aren't further up some evolutionary, or status, or whatever tree. They are just people.

But equally you misunderstand the precept. Creation is not about perfection, or skill, or success. Creation is an act.

Most kids learn to cook by following a recipie. But one kid in the class just wants to mix things together to see what happens.

Pretty much every kid draws on paper as a child. But some tiny fraction of them never stop. Yes, some of them get good at it, some lucky ones make a living at it. That's the urge.