Connected creativity
Innovation is combinational in nature. Sudden eureka moments are an illusion, the tip of the iceberg hiding the network of existing ideas our mind slowly connected over time to generate something that feels brand new.
Progress is built on the shoulders of creative connectors who can see patterns where others see none, who are able to simulate conversations between authors by connecting the dots across different fields, and who are part of learning communities that foster curiosity and creativity.
Maybe creative thinking should be renamed patterned thinking or networked thinking?
Also, what does that mean for the nature of atomic ideas?
Related: On the newness of ideas, Interconnectedness of things, Designing a thinking practice