Kappa: OK. This jet. . . . This new idea. It is a new form, but it is not
just a “new form.” It is the new form in which to arrange old
things, . . . a rocket and an aircraft. Can we separate them from
each other? . . . I mean the form and those things?
Teacher: I’m starting to understand Beta’s insight. I would have
thought that a new idea relates to some new content rather than
a new form . . . I would have before, but not now.
Gamma: It is difficult to keep in mind all these nuances, but in
any case, it becomes clearer. That new form is the essence of
creativity.
Beta: A new form as a result and as a goal. . . . Yes, it is the essence,
I agree.
Kappa: Aha! When you arrange old things in a new form, you get
new content!
Beta: Wow, that resonates! Can we put it this way: You get new
content by arranging old content in a new form?
Teacher: I say wow too! You guys surprise me!
Alpha: OK, how does this apply to our third question?
Kappa: Is it . . .
Alpha: That doing arts can be non-creative.
Delta: It applies very well. If you are not arranging old things in
some new form while painting, or singing, or writing . . .
Alpha: New to whom?
Gamma: We talked about this already. If it is new to you, then you
are creating.
Alpha: But if it is not new for others?
Beta: Bad luck. Bad for your business. So what? Our subject is
creativity, not business.
Can Copying Be Creative?
Alpha: All right, how can copying be creative?
Beta: Well, let’s see . . .
Delta: If you see everything in a painting, you can copy it.
Alpha: All right, you see everything! How is that creative? Do you
arrange old content in a new form there?
Teacher: I think it is possible.
