I recently came across an interesting article in The New Philosopher titled The Limits of Imagination, by Patrick Stokes. In it, Stoke highlights Scottish philosopher, David Hume’s, argument that imagination and ideas are not products of random chance but instead comprised of a collection of images, memories, and experiences, that formulate a thought. This perspective resonated with me as I reflected on the past year, during which I felt a lack of creative production relative to high points in my mid-twenties.
Last year, I believed that sitting with a blank sheet of paper would lead to free-flowing imagination and ideas allowing me to detach from the flow of thoughts running in my head and focus on creativity. Yet, I’m sitting here, a year later, staring at the blank sheet. Reflecting on Hume’s argument, I began to understand why that was. My most creative periods were not fueled by isolation and fixation on an idea, but by diverse interactions, experiences, and memories, that spurred my imagination and captured the pattern present across all creative mediums.
The Root of Inspiration
When I think back to personal projects that I have worked on, my imagination forms from curiosity about a specific topic, challenge, or skill. It would drive me to deep research and reflection upon which I would determine if my curiosity would turn into a passion project. Something with a vision that I could see myself working on, no matter how long it would take. The process from curiosity to breaking down complex ideas into smaller, manageable pieces, would help inspiration strike. Igniting my imagination and shaping my vision.
Knowledge is Power
The process explained in the previous section is not an act of spontaneous generation. As Hume pointed out, it was developed from the moments spent engaging with the topic and inspiration drawn from various facets of life. It wasn’t until realizing this connection that my creative process came into focus. As Stokes wrote in an expansion of Hume’s general thesis:
“Complex ideas are made up of simple ideas, and simple ideas, in turn, are copies of simple impressions. Perceptions, not concepts, are the fundamental building blocks of our entire mental lives.” - David Hume
Fueling Imagination
Looking back, I’ve realized that I shouldn’t stress over the blank piece of paper, hoping for ideas to come to me. Instead, inspiration arises through exploration. Reading, getting out of my comfort zone, building perspective, and discovering what resonates with me. Experiences that fuel the imagination rather than a sudden eureka moment.