Simplification Hurts Creativity? Not So.
It has always been my goal to downsize, limit my material possessions, and pack light–but I got lost somewhere along the road through college. I’m a pack rat–and while I may yearn for simplicity, I often dream of acquiring more stuff. Why? To expand my creativity, of course.
I want an electronics kit to explore hacking. I want a woodworking shop–because who doesn’t want to use power drills and make folding tables? I want a library of creative works to inspire me. I want paints and a canvas. I want tools, services, classes, books, etc.
Does simplification clash with creativity?
After thinking about it for a little bit, I realized that it doesn’t. Why? I’ll give you three reasons:
1. I don’t have to own tools in order to use them. Libraries, hackerspaces, art studios, and other creative spaces gives me access to tools that can either be rented or used free of charge. I don’t need to own my tools, just like I don’t need to own my own exercise equipment or swimming pool.
2. Simplification clears the mind, inspires the muse. Imagine worked in a cluttered garage. Some people find this inspirational; I find it uncomfortable. Clutter blocks creativity. Simplification clears the mind, encouraging idea flow.
3. “Simplification” means that I can spend more time and money on what I find valuable rather than what I find meaningless. Let’s say I want a woodworking shop and an electronics kit. If I use hackerspaces to initially fuel my experimentation and learn that I don’t like working with electronics–but that I still want my own woodworking tools–I can always go back and buy the woodworking tools I want to own. No need to spend money upfront–but because I didn’t spend on that electronics set, I can now afford the woodworking tools.
Owning tools has clear advantages. I still believe that owning allows for a degree of freedom that I can’t get by borrowing my tools–but from now on, I will seriously consider borrowing the tools I want or need.
