To be creative in any given area requires more than just some specific talent in art or science. From studies of creative people two generalizations can be made.
First, the creativity involved in solving some difficult problem results from a tremendous preoccupation with that problem. Second, the creative problem solver must have a great tolerance for ambiguity. And for most people creativity comes at a price. So often the innovator is out of step with his times and therefore often rejected. The creative person is self-motivated. Statistically speaking, he or she is in the minority. Most creative productions are contributed by a small number of people. We know several things about such people. First, creativity is often noticed in childhood. Second, the creative child (or college student) may get "turned off" at school. Third. creative people are less conventional than others, regardless of field. Fourth, they usually show independence. Fifth, they do not always know where the results of their efforts will lead. Sixth, creative people tend to live within themselves; they are often hard to live with.
