Where Do My Good Ideas Come From?

No hating on my artistic talent, I spent a lot of energy in creating this collage with an image within images as a representative of where my good ideas come from. I agree with Steven Johnson that I generate thoughts much better when there is a "liquid network" or collaboration that is connecting my ideas with those of others, sometimes in the most serendipitous of ways. Therefore, I found an image of neuronal channels within our brain, which is among the most complex interconnected systems. I also believe thoughts need a chance to incubate or develop, and my initial idea serves as only a rough outline that scratches the surface of its potential the vast majority of the time. Additionally, my ideas combine and there is a "coming together of slow hunches" as represented by the two tortoises engaged in some fully natural intercourse. I find that my best ideas come from when I diverge from the safe way to do things and challenge existing norms. In the words of Nobel Prize winning physiologist Albert von Szent-Gyorgy, "Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought". Lastly, I find that I don't think as creatively and deeply when I am stressed out. It is when I am in a serene and relaxed state of mind that I channel my inner genius. As you can see, within this collage of separate images is the outline of a heart. That is because love is the cure for all, man. Haha, but no seriously, when you have a love for what you are doing you are going to be more inspired, have incentive to ponder on ideas for a while and put forward your best foot. Also when you share close relationships with collaborators on your projects there is going to be a more open flow of ideas and therefore more views are able to be integrated. The saying "two heads are better than one" is all too true as it allows the connectivity which I alluded to before. So yes all the components that make up the outline of the heart are important, but ultimately it is love (passion) that allows us to punch through figurative walls and think of new creative inventions that have never been thought of before (such as GPS). So go ahead, take more showers. Schedule more group discussions, it may enhance your conceptual understanding and make you a master on the subject, inspiring fresh thoughts in unexplored avenues.