Creativity and Books

As I was reading the various reactions and posts last week after the passing of David Bowie, two of the things that stood out to me were his enormous creativity and his voracious reading habits. I've never been a huge Bowie fan but I think I can learn a few things from his life. His creativity in multiple spheres speaks for itself. 

In 2014, he created a list of 100 of the books that most influenced him. You can find the list in various places, and a Facebook page has been set up to start a book club for those wanting to work through the list, but here's a link to give you a view: http://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/01/11/david-bowies-top-100-books

This topic also made me start thinking about what would be on my list. Almost every highly innovative, creative person is also a reader. In our environment, that could mean books, online posts, forums, etc. but they read.  They fill their mind with new ideas that challenge their perceptions of the world around them and their internal thoughts. 

Not that long ago, books were burned because it was assumed they would undermine the status quo. Remember, you can (and I argue you should) read books that present views that you don't agree with.  This is where you take a look from the other side of an issue, use your brain to evaluate what you read and then make up your mind. 

If you would like to be more creative read, read, read. 

Finding Hidden Inspiration

Some of the best books I've ever read have been those that I've come across by accident.  Many of them have been "favorite books" of people whose interviews I've read.  By paying attention to influences of influential people, you can find things that inspire them.  That's worth paying attention to.

One of my favorite books of all time came to my attention in this way.  In an interview of Prince Andrew, he mentioned that he was currently reading again a book he'd read many times called, "I Heard the Owl Call My Name." I don't admire a lot of what Prince Andrew has done or been involved in over the years but he is a man of influence and privilege and his statements about the book made me curious. Its simple power stunned me and it is a book, like To Kill a Mockingbird, that I revisit on a regular basis when I want to reground myself.

Have a look at the things that have influenced people you admire or are interested in or who are completely random.  If you meet a new person, ask them what their favorite book or movie or poem or song is and why.  You'll be surprised at how many times this will lead to inspiration and challenge, not to mention how it will open your eyes to hidden depths of the people around you.