Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Description

“Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention” is a book by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist known for his work on the concept of flow—the state of complete absorption and focus in an activity. Published in 1996, the book explores the psychological processes underlying creativity and innovation. Csikszentmihalyi delves into the experiences of creative individuals across various fields, examining how they achieve flow and what factors contribute to their groundbreaking ideas and achievements.

The book discusses how creativity is not a mysterious or random phenomenon but rather a result of certain cognitive, emotional, and environmental conditions. Csikszentmihalyi emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, concentration, and a balance between challenge and skill in fostering creativity. He also explores the role of domain-specific knowledge, problem-solving strategies, and social influences in the creative process.

“Creativity” offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to enhance their creative abilities and for educators, managers, and policymakers interested in fostering environments conducive to innovation. It has become a seminal work in the field of creativity research and has inspired numerous studies and applications in education, business, and the arts.