The only way to maximize group creativity—to make the whole more than the sum of its parts—is to encourage a candid discussion of mistakes. In part, this is because the acceptance of error reduces cost. When you believe your flaws will be quickly corrected by the group, you're less worried about perfecting your contribution, which leads to a more candid conversation. We can only get it right when we talk about what we got wrong.

The inconsistency of genius is a consistent theme of creativity.

In fact, the only way to remain creative over time--to not be undone by our expertise--is to experiment with ignorance, to stare at things we don't fully understand.

Children can't help but create: they need to put their mind on the page, they want to paint, to sculpt, to write short stories.

The best way to solve a problem? Try explaining it to somebody outside your field.

The great ages did not perhaps produce much more talent than ours,' [T.S.] Eliot wrote. 'But less talent was wasted.

The one reality science cannot reduce is the only reality we will ever know.