Creativity requires boldness. To create is to take a risk—and that boldness exists on a continuum from benevolent to malevolent. History shows us that creativity is often misunderstood at first: artistic breakthroughs like Cubism were rejected and ridiculed before becoming celebrated anchors in art history. What society labels as “good” or “bad” creativity is largely shaped by cultural and historical context, and original ideas may serve the creator long before they serve the collective.

This raises an important question: to what end is creativity used? Creativity is not limited to the arts, nor is it inherently ethical. Original ideas can help or harm, serve society or serve the self. While we tend to assume creativity is benevolent, its impact depends on intention, fairness, and consequence. As new technologies expand our creative power, the ethical stakes grow higher—especially as innovation can be used to mislead, exploit, or cause harm as easily as it can solve problems.

Creativity is best understood as ideas that are both original and appropriate, grounded in human judgment and moral awareness. Being creative means being bold enough to take risks, but reflective enough to consider impact. 

Tips for becoming more creative - 

Be Bold: Go for it. It is what the artists do. 

Go for a walk. Let your mind wander.   

Try it out. Give it a go. Learn, ponder and try again. 

Hansika Kapoor 

Dr Hansika Kapoor 

The Global Creativity Initiative Podcast is a scholarly commitment to sharing creativity and specifically creative process for problem solving (aka life) with all of humanity. Visit our website to learn more about The Global Creativity Initiative. Write to us at [email protected]