The Power of Creativity: A Three-Part Series for Writers, Artists, Musicians and Anyone In Search of Great Ideas
Bryan Collins
Independently Published (Second Edition, 2018)

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”  Albert Einstein

Long ago, a French poet (probably Baudelaire) was asked how to write a poem. He paused, then replied, “First, draw a birdcage and leave the door open. Then wait. You’ll probably have to wait a very long time. If you’re lucky, eventually a small bird will fly through the open door. Erase the cage.” I was reminded of that anecdote as I began to read Bryan Collins’ book, the first of three in which he shares his thoughts about (yes) “the power of creativity.” He cites a number of paradoxes with regard to the creative process. For example, you improve the odds of generating at least a potentially great idea when confined by order and structure, by constraints. Also, the phrase e pluribus unum (out of many, one) suggests that the number of small ideas you accumulate over time will often determine whether or not a great idea is the result of convergent consolidation. The most creative people not only connect “dots”; they connect the right dots in what becomes an original configuration.

For example, the greatest jazz musicians (John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Art Tatum) blended discipline with improvisation. The same is true of painters such as Michelangelo and Matisse whom Collins discusses. And let’s not forget Bach and Mozart whom he also discusses. All of them and countless other creative geniuses mastered the basics before transcending them. For each, every “failure” was a precious learning opportunity.

With all due respect to them and their achievements, I want to express my appreciation of details about his personal life that Collins is willing to share. He not only formulated the insights and counsel in the book, he shares the journey during which he learned (often the hard way) valuable lessons — from his own search for great ideas — with which most readers can associate.

Here are Bryan Collins’ concluding remarks: “In the end when your little ideas bond into a big idea and take on a life of their own and you know you held nothing back, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that outlasts any material reward. You’ll understand what it is to create.”

Don’t get to erase the cage.