The Creativity Advantage

by James C. Kaufman

Overview

Creativity is usually seen as a good thing, but why? The Creativity Advantage first offers an overview of creativity studies with an emphasis on the little-discussed benefits of being creative. These include how creativity can lead to self-insight, help people heal, forge connections with others, inspire drive, and enable people to leave behind a meaningful legacy. Written in an engaging style and illustrated with interesting anecdotal material, this book offers a new perspective on creativity scholarship that can serve as an introduction to the field for newcomers or as a way to encourage new avenues for research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009244558
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/29/2023
Pages:	243
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Dr. James C. Kaufman is Professor of Educational Psychology at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut, USA. He is the author/editor of more than fifty books, including The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity (2019). He is a past president of Division 10 (Aesthetics, Creativity, & the Arts) of the American Psychological Association.

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. The Basics of Creativity: 1. To define the undefinable; 2. From tiny to small. 3. How everyday magic works; 4. Stumbling toward genius; 5. An overwhelming question; Part II. The Benefits of Creativity: 6. Self-insight; 7. Healing; 8. Connection; 9. Drive; 10. Legacy; Afterword.

Editorial Reviews

‘No one, it seems to me, understands the creative process more deeply or writes of it more revealingly than James Kaufman. In The Creativity Advantage, he brilliantly imparts that process to anyone working in any facet of life where creativity is essential. In other words, to just about all of us. This is an important book.’ Robert Olen Butler, Pulitzer Prize laureate in fiction

‘The Creativity Advantage offers a thoughtful and comprehensive account of what creativity is and why we need it. Its engaging style and illuminating examples make this a timely resource for people interested in how creativity changes lives, including their own. An instant classic and a must read during turbulent times.’ Vlad Glaveanu, Dublin City University, Ireland

‘For those of us who care about creativity, this is a book to elevate the conversation between the heart and the head. Making a compelling case for why creativity matters, in a voice that is personal and scholarly in equal measure, Kaufman shows just how smart it is to love this thing we love, and why everyone else should love it too.’ Adam Green, Georgetown University, USA

‘The Creativity Advantage shows why creativity is so important in our daily lives and how we can harness more of it to live a more fulfilled existence. This book may save the world!’ Scott Barry Kaufman, Columbia University, USA

‘In The Creativity Advantage, one of world’s most knowledgeable creativity scholars helps us understand how and why we choose to be creative. Engaging, funny, and insightful, this book is a must-read for those who want to increase their creativity and that of others.’ Jonathan Plucker, Johns Hopkins University, USA

‘The Creativity Advantage is the one truly scientific book on how creativity can be utilized to make people happy and satisfied in their lives. When schools fail to develop creativity, they also fail to bestow upon their students one of the very best tools - creativity - for living a happy and productive life. This book is scientific, but also readable, entertaining, and full of interesting case studies and anecdotes. The author, perhaps the most world-renowned scholar on creativity of his generation, has bestowed upon the world the creative advantage of his marvelous and engaging prose. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to turn their creativity to their own advantage - and that of others as well.’ Robert J. Sternberg, Cornell University, USA and University of Heidelberg, Germany

‘… the best non-fiction book I read this year.’ Todd Kashdan, Provoked Newsletter

From the Publisher