11 Comments on “A Truth, Universally Acknowledged?”

1. 1 Joey said at 9:38 am on September 21st, 2009:

   I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Specifically about representational vs. non-representational and also about how God creates from nothing – no reference points. He thought of a tree from scratch. However, our creativity always have a reference point. It just depends on where from. But ultimately it goes back to creation. I also thought about how a lot of post-modern artists were nihilistic in their worldviews and how that came across in their work.

   I’m just thinking out loud. I’m not stating any convictions. I wish Francis Schaeffer was still alive so I could go hang out at L’abri and ask him.

2. 2 Kyle Martineau said at 9:42 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Well, I’m not sure exactly what he’s referring to. Does a thought have to be unique and individual to be creative? Einstein theories were very creative and unique – however they were built upon other people’s work. Einstein would not have arrived to his theories without the works of others prior to him.

   One can assume from this statement that in order to be creative you must derive part of your creativity from others. It would be ignorant to think that one can possess a truly unique thought without knowing the thoughts of others.

   Hiding your sources could mean to surround yourself with the ideas of others to help your own voice and conclusions stand out more starkly.

3. 3 Kyle Martineau said at 9:43 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Joey. Francis Schaeffer rocks. The end.

4. 4 Ryan James said at 9:50 am on September 21st, 2009:

   I think there’s some truth to this, but to say that it is the single secret for creativity seems to overplay its role in the creative process. I think a big part of it is how to properly use your sources and inspiration.

   I’ve got a Francis Schaeffer biography just waiting for me to read. Can’t wait!

5. 5 Jenny James said at 9:52 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Joey + Kyle,

   Both of you have good thoughts. Brain food for today!

6. 6 Jenny James said at 9:54 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Ryan (husband of mine) I love you and so respect your input into my art and work. You always inspire me… and have such good insights.

   Thanks guys!

7. 7 Sarah Lillard said at 10:08 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Personally, I have always found that when someone deliberately hides the source of inspiration for a created work, I have less respect for that work. Like it says in Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. Denying that fact by seeking to misrepresent one’s art cheapens the creative act. Site your sources

8. 8 Matt said at 10:36 am on September 21st, 2009:

   Kyle your answer is incredibly provoking (especially your last thought). Good job.

   Personally, I think Einstein was answering a ridiculous question with this quote and not trying to lay a path for artists. With tongue in cheek, he’s saying truly creative people derive their inspiration from a myriad of resources (not, if you want to be creative learn how to hide them).

   It is 100% impossible to be unique in your thoughts and actions. But deep down, I think we have the inward desire to be unique in our creativity (because God is), and for that same reason we idolize people who we think are (like Einstein).

   Thanks for the thought-provoking question Jenny!

9. 9 CJ Jacquez said at 11:59 am on September 21st, 2009:

   I love your photography a great deal.

   I agree with Sarah’s comment. C.J. Mahaney says he hasn’t ever had a new thought or idea, and credits any comment or insight to his sources in reading.

   I find it humble to reveal the source, and to acknowledge that we stand in the path that many have already walked.

   I do however appreciate the ability of people to articulate and express their impressions in a particular or unique way. Giving voice to expression.

   cj jacquez

10. 10 Connie Z. said at 5:24 pm on September 21st, 2009:

    Creativity is about making connections in unexpected or unrelated realms. And so it may mean borrowing ideas from others, which I think Einstein was alluding to here.

    But why hide them? There’s nothing to lose in an honest confession of who you learned from. It’s not like you come with ANY thing original anyways. We are always influenced by SOME body else.

11. 11 Jenny James said at 11:29 am on October 22nd, 2009:

    Thanks for all the thoughts guys and gals! I am blessed by you all daily!

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