THE CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION OF DESPAIR, HATE AND VIOLENCE

Abstract

Creativity is an elixir of life and at the same time a continuous challenge. Before illustrating life and work of extraordinarily creative persons we here describe the “Big Five of Creativity”: Gifts and talents (1), skills and knowledge (2), motivation and discipline (3), openness and resilience (4), nurturing and challenging environments (5). These principles of creativity always interact and can lead to a creative transformation of despair, hate and violence. Using the examples of Mozart, Marie Curie, Goethe and Picasso it is shown that creative transformation of loss and despair as well as of rage, hate and violence is an essential aspect of every human’s cultural ac­tivity. Finally, everyday and extraordinary creativity are described as elementary means to lead a fulfilling personal life in social responsibility.