Wired to Create

About the Author

Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, is a cognitive psychologist, researcher, and author with a passion for understanding human intelligence, creativity, and potential. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Yale University and has dedicated his career to exploring the complexities of the human mind. Kaufman has authored several books, including Ungifted and Transcend, where he delves into the nuances of human intelligence and the potential for self-actualization. He is also the founder of the Center for Human Potential and the host of "The Psychology Podcast," where he discusses various aspects of psychology, creativity, and human behavior.

Kaufman’s co-author, Carolyn Gregoire, is a writer and researcher with a focus on creativity, psychology, health, and spirituality. She has collaborated on several books and is known for her work on creative types and her contributions to the Webby Award-winning Creative Types personality test. Together, Kaufman and Gregoire explore the intricate and often paradoxical nature of creativity in their book Wired to Create, providing a comprehensive analysis of the traits that define creative individuals.

Main Idea

Wired to Create presents the idea that creativity is not a single, isolated trait but rather a complex interplay of various characteristics that often seem contradictory. Kaufman and Gregoire argue that creative people are defined by their deep connection to self, their curiosity and openness to life’s experiences—both good and bad—and their ability to think unconventionally. By understanding and embracing these traits, individuals can enhance their creative potential and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and purpose.

Table of Contents

1. Childlike Imagination
2. Passion
3. Daydreaming
4. Mindfulness
5. Solitude
6. Intuition
7. Experiential Curiosity
8. Sensitivity
9. Creative Resilience
10. Unconventional Thinking

Childlike Imagination

The first characteristic Kaufman and Gregoire identify is childlike imagination, a trait that allows creative individuals to see the world with a sense of wonder and possibility. This ability to approach life with a playful and open mind is often rooted in the experiences of childhood, where imagination runs free and unencumbered by the constraints of reality. Creative individuals retain this ability to play and imagine, which fuels their creativity and allows them to see beyond the ordinary.