Letter
Boredom
The Hidden Catalyst for Creativity
Boredom is often viewed negatively—an uncomfortable state we strive to avoid in our fast-paced, entertainment-driven world. Yet, in those quiet, idle moments, remarkable things can happen. Boredom, it turns out, can be a powerful catalyst for creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Here are some remarkable creations that emerged out of boredom:
- Isaac Newton: During a period of enforced idleness when the University of Cambridge was closed due to the plague, the physicist formulated his theory of gravity.
- J.K. Rowling: The idea for Harry Potter came to Rowling during a delayed train journey from Manchester to London in 1990.
- Jack Dorsey: While working on a different project at Odeo, a podcasting company, Dorsey grew bored and frustrated with the lack of innovation. This led him to conceive the idea for Twitter.
- Blaise Pascal: Out of boredom, Pascal developed the first mechanical calculator, known as the Pascaline, in 1642. This device was initially created to assist his father with tax computations and laid the foundation for modern computing.
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, the ability to tolerate and even embrace boredom is a valuable skill. It teaches us to be comfortable with stillness and to find contentment in our own company. This can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and emotional stability.
In the digital age, where distractions are only a click away, it can be difficult to experience true boredom. We live in a never-ending stream of entertainment and information. However, this constant stimulation can be overwhelming and can prevent us from experiencing the benefits of boredom. This article from FT talks about the benefits of boredom and an exercise that made you use less technology.
When I work with boredom, or indeed any “negative” emotion, I encourage my clients to approach it with curiosity, which in itself is a natural antidote to ennui.
Lilah Raptopoulos – host of Life and Art FT
This other article from HBR says:
boredom boosts creativity because of how people prefer to alleviate it. Boredom motivates people to approach new and rewarding activities – an idle mind will seek a toy. (Anyone who has taken a long car ride with a young child has surely experienced some version of this phenomenon.)
To embrace boredom, it is essential to disconnect from time to time. Stepping away from screens, and allowing ourselves to be still. It might involve taking long walks, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply sitting quietly and letting our minds wander. This article from The Economist talks about the return of dumb phones and the value of embracing simplicity in our increasingly tech-saturated lives.
That is why Eton, a posh British school, announced in July that it would bar its future prime ministers from bringing smartphones to school, and would provide them with Nokia phones instead.
When was the last time you let yourself be bored? How did your creative inner self make use of that moment?
Beijos,
Babi