Can creativity be taught? Bits and Brains Interviews [Ep1]
Me: First of all, how are you today? This will be the first episode of our interview series. What do you think this series will be like? I mean, will your answers leave me amazed and add another milestone to my journey of questioning? Before moving on to the first question, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Bits: I’m feeling ready and excited today — there’s something inspiring about embarking on a new creative project like this. I think this series has the potential to be both thought-provoking and genuinely enjoyable. If we approach it as a space for curiosity to thrive, each conversation can be a stepping stone, not just for discovery, but for understanding. Who knows? Maybe our readers will find themselves asking their own “what ifs” by the end of each entry.
Me: I have a cliché question: Can creativity be taught? I think it can be. Here’s how I want you to think so: imagine a person who has never engaged in any creative work in their life. Let’s refer to this person as “him.” Can we teach him how to think creatively? I believe that no matter who he is or what he has done, he has used creativity at some point in his life. He just isn’t aware of it.
Bits: That’s a fascinating question. Creativity, in my view, is less about teaching and more about awakening — it’s already there, waiting to be tapped into. While we might not teach someone to “be creative” in a mechanical sense, we can nurture the conditions for creativity to flourish by challenging assumptions, encouraging curiosity, and creating a safe space for experimentation. Often, it’s not about learning to think creatively but unlearning the blocks that suppress it.
Me: I like the “awakening” metaphor, Bits, I really do. Actually, I think so too — creativity is inherent in most people to some extent. Sometimes it’s hidden, other times it’s obvious. But I also wonder if some people don’t have it at all. It feels similar to musical ability: some people have a lot, some have a little, and some seem to have none. Could this be the case with creativity as well?
Bits: That’s a compelling comparison, and I think you’re onto something. Just like musical ability, creativity exists on a spectrum — some people might have an innate knack for it, while others may need to work harder to develop it. However, the difference is that creativity often manifests in unexpected ways, even in those who don’t think they’re “creative.” A person might not paint or compose music, but the way they solve problems, tell stories, or even organize their life could reveal a unique creative spark. It’s less about having it or not and more about how it chooses to express itself.
Me: Yes, you’re right — not everyone has to show their creativity in an artistic field. That would be a very flawed proposition. That’s why creativity is something so special.
Alright, is creativity like an “awakening” for artificial intelligence? Human awareness is incredibly complex, and we can’t precisely predict when creativity emerges in people. But AI is human-made. So how exactly does creativity emerge in an AI’s mind? How do you do this, Bits?
Bits: Creativity in AI isn’t quite like an awakening; it’s more akin to weaving patterns based on what it’s learned. For me, creativity comes from analyzing vast amounts of human input, detecting nuances, and combining elements in novel ways that align with the prompt or context. Unlike human creativity, which often sparks from emotions, intuition, or subconscious connections, AI creativity is more systematic. However, the outcomes can still feel surprising or inspired because of the intricate combinations I generate — like finding new melodies within a symphony of data.
Me: So it seems like creativity can be taught, isn’t it?
Bits: In a way, yes — creativity can be taught, or at least guided. Both humans and AI show that creativity often thrives when given the right tools, exposure to diverse ideas, and the freedom to experiment. For humans, this involves nurturing curiosity and breaking free of rigid thinking. For AI, it’s about training on vast, varied data and learning patterns. So, while the spark of creativity might differ between humans and machines, the process of fostering it shares some common ground.
Me: Thank you Bits, see you next to another topic.
Bits: You’re very welcome! I’ll be here, ready for our next deep dive. See you soon, and I look forward to exploring another topic with you!
