Creativity and the Pursuit of Excellence

[@academyofideas]

Become a Supporting Member and get access to exclusive videos: academyofideas.com/members/ ======== Recommended Reading: Restoring Pride - Richard Taylor - amzn.to/1NBREei

[@iangrant9675]

I think that Taylor missed something, and that his creative imperative lapses into a kind of solipsism, with every "excellently creative person" is excellent and creative solely according to their own subjective standard that they developed independently of everyone else. If Taylor had connected Aristotle's idea of man's essential nature being rational (and political, in the sense of living and reasoning together in a community) and if he had had a better understanding of Aristotle's idea of the rational soul of man being the whole of the rational thought of humanity, which he also identifies with God, then he would have seen that the human capacity for rational thought is the cause of human creativity. Then the fragmented cults of solipsistic individuality described here are neither creative nor excellent. Creativity has value not merely through novelty, the value of creativity depends crucially on the context in which it occurs, which is the context in which others interpret its meaning. The kind of individualistic creativity described here is actually a recipe for loneliness and isolation of individuals, and the consequence is a godless society. Another way Aristotle described the essential nature of human beings is as divine animals. I wrote a bit about the rational basis for collective human creativity here: drive.google.com/file/d/0B9MgWvi9mywhdGpLcEpIRlJaMHJJWFFzbTdvQzB0ekpGU2g4/view?usp=sharing

[@priscillajimenez27]

So this is why people look at me weird. Also being a good person to others is important too.

[@Dan-ud8hz]

“When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only of how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.” ― Buckminster Fuller

[@Dan-ud8hz]

(Low-Effort Thought Promotes Political Conservatism) journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0146167212439213

[@satnamo]

@@Dan-ud8hz beauty is the first test. There is no place in mathematics for ugly stuffs.

[@mkwarlock]

This is PURE GOLD. You have my eternal gratitude, good sir..

[@mateoluga1256]

MK Warlock

[@ashwadhwani]

Same here

[@Raymanfan86sk]

Spoke right to me 🙏🙏

[@Vstrum]

I hope you’re well 5 years later, let us know!

[@LaDedinDu59]

To the owner of this channel, i cannot thank you enough for your videos. The amount of work you put in it shows through the high quality content, rarely equaled on KZbin. Your videos accompany me and many others during our journey into self-improvement and have helped a lot. Kuddos and please, keep up with your own pursuit of excellence !

[@TimBitten]

This video stirs inside me a great debate. On the one hand, those I have most admired have always been the creative rebels, and those I've abhorred becoming like were the average automatons. Even so, I hold in high esteem the Zen philosophy, which seems to reject, to some degree, the value in becoming a slave TO creative pursuits. ("Eat when hungry, sleep when tired--this is Zen.) Still, it takes a certain creative genius even to formulate such things as the wonderful Zen "koan" verses meant to lead the adherent to understanding without directly imparting the same, which diminishes the revelation. Perhaps the best balance of it all would be to create when creative, obey when acceptable, and minimize harm to all--more of a Kantian twist. All I am absolutely certain of is that nihilism is a declaration of defeat, and that hardly anyone will read a comment like this on KZbin. :)

[@williammabreyv2097]

Tim Kidd Well said, man.

[@TomFoti]

I don't get the "hardly anyone will read a comment like this on KZbin" line.

[@DarkestDragonNL]

Well consider that some pop song will probably already gain 10 times more views on the first day of uploading, and that then only a fraction of people read comments, especially those that require you to click 'read more.' Then I think it's safe to say that it isn't an unfair belief to hold.

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

Find your own way

[@buddyynot1]

I think that Zen in it's own way can agree with the philosophy in the video because in it's own way it is telling you also to be introspective and find pease in yourself, not from others.

[@pavanyallabandi9974]

This 8 year old video beats all the other self help channels I've watched Kudos to you mate !

[@johnhoward1181]

"This" video was extremely helpful to me. I retired five years ago and I have struggled with that part of me that says, just sit down and watch tv and snack, that's what retirement is about, and the part of me that says , "no" I want more. I don't want my remaining years to be spent watching tv and playing video games. You've helped me identify the two warring parties. The pursuit of pleasure vs the pursuit of excellence. "This" will help me greatly. And I like that the idea of greatness is "not" fame and fortune, but whatever goal you set for yourself. Excellent. God bless. :)

[@javierlandry7246]

This is my situation right now. 35 years old, on holidays...

[@EccentricFoxhole]

I'm glad you do this, man. I learn a lot from you because you are clear, direct, and summarize important ideas from the many philosophies you evaluate. A lot of your videos are very informative and enlightening but this one in particular is inspirational to me.

[@CJ-yc2on]

I rarely comment on any video, but for this one I have to give you a big "Thank you". Much appreciation from The Netherlands. Keep up the great work!

[@academyofideas]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@gabrielneedhampotts47]

I have never once regretted clicking on one of your videos, they are truly inspiring

[@Dan-ud8hz]

“Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.” ― Frederick Douglass

[@mystikall89]

Best channel I've stumbled upon in my years on KZbin

[@excelsior999]

"Stumbled" indeed.

[@jacealr1139]

Your videos are phenomenal

[@academyofideas]

Thanks!

[@t.i.s.r.oofficial7142]

Master mind you mean PHENOMENOLOGICAL;)

[@corinlanser]

True dat

[@sLeonardo22]

And they still are today

[@kabelophoshoko7856]

DUUUUUUUDE :0

[@SeanTheDon17]

I love the point about creating yourself. We too often think of creativity as something ephemeral that only a few possess, yet this video perfectly explains the importance of ‘Creating Yourself’

[@javierlandry7246]

Yes. I've always done that because I have 0 creativity...

[@jamesk8s1]

GOD I WISH I HAD HEARD THIS WHEN I WAS YOUNG....I HAVE LIVED MUCH OF THIS.....BUT AS AN OUTSIDER....AND STRUGGLED WITH THAT......NOW I FEEL I AM ON THE RIGHT PATH FOR MY LIFE......LOVE LOVE THIS!

[@59secondsin84]

This channel is pure brilliance! Content like this should be compulsory at schools even if it was just to elicit discussion and to get students to think about the virtue (of lack of) of different ideas 💡

[@javierlandry7246]

"Get students to think"...I think that's never being the purpose of Academia.

[@59secondsin84]

@@javierlandry7246 you have a point 👍🏼

[@javierlandry7246]

@@59secondsin84 Thank you😉

[@crusoevanfloyd9888]

I feel so comforted that all my ideas that I had developed on my own, during my youth are all unoriginal. and have already been written down or explained between thousands to 90 years earlier than when I thought of them.

[@erickguz]

54 years old and grinding. This is a wonderful video. Quite motivating.

[@chentemccarthy7014]

Great video, well put together. The Carl Jung quote - "if you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself" - is on the money.

[@Paseosinperro]

This channel deserve much more views

[@fatetestarossa2774]

INDEED

[@ipownedu99]

Some people aren’t ready to wake up

[@Tschoo]

I feel so empowered and good about my philosophy major now...

[@RawkHawk9000]

That's exactly the word I was going to use! It's so empowering and hopeful!

[@libraryofthemind]

How did it go? :-)

[@-unknown1305]

Tschoo Ahahahahahaha... wow Ever heard Watts's "you don't really exist"?

[@The.steppenWolf]

- Unknown You mean Alan Watts? His Philosophy is not the best Philosophy to live a life. It misleads you most of the time.

[@jon553]

where ya at now sir?

[@LonleyBoy1105]

Oh my, how good it feels to be reminded of the beauty and power of philosophy! It has the power to move mountains...

[@jesusguerrero8786]

Whatever you do, do it with determination!

[@thatguymork]

"Pursue that which is meaningful, not that which is expedient." ~Jordan Peterson

[@arrow_of_longing]

Well that depends on what you mean by "matters".

[@mpcc2022]

It's funny that Jordan Peterson gets credit for what Solomon wrote, simply because he says it in a pithy manner.

[@Tbets]

"What is meaningful " is different for everybody

[@XxPunxunite]

Joshua L what do you expect from a drug addict?

[@maxcrow6392]

@@mpcc2022 Most of what Jordan Peterson says is copied or borrowed from someone else. I don't think he ever claimed to find a new philosophy, his merit is like this channel's. He's trying to teach people what they should already have learned from other men before. Unless he's talking about certain experimental psychology I don't think he's ever tried to even come up with his own theories.

[@joelbelmonte1383]

six years old and this video remains EXCELLENT

[@WitsEnds]

Great video :) I think the quote by Hugh MacLeod - 'The price of being a sheep is boredom. The price of being a wolf is loneliness. Choose one or the other with great care' - is also very relevant to this discussion. I stumbled across this gem of a channel a few days ago and made sure to subscribe. Keep going dude you are very talented.

[@tomfisher9089]

You are an excellent teacher. I appreciate the manner in which you present the subject. The graphics are most helpful and make great screen savers to remind me of why I have adopted Stoicism as a life practice. Thank you for all of your behind the scenes efforts to bring this teaching forth in such a superior manner.

[@pierrewilliam7119]

Man.. I've rarely seen such deep but yet short explanations and wisdom. I totally admit that your content is of public utility (and I share it as much as possible)

[@SomeTallGuy203]

I was told about this video about 8 or so years ago - the guy who told me about it said it was his nightly routine to go to bed listening to it- I saw the video then and I’ve just come back to it now after recalling the memory. Here I guess are some thoughts: If we are all human and have a uniqueness in that then to be an excellent human isn’t to be different in your own creative way that would be pursing to be the best individual excellence. Human excellence is not the same as individual excellence. Just because many people conform to a society In finding a role it doesn’t mean they can’t be an excellent human being or even an excellent individual. There is a human nature to support a community and doing so in my perspective is to pursue to excellence. To be unique as a human being means that individuals excellence would be having an identity you are proud of. Lastly, while I think it’s common to idealize the idea of living off the path less trodden I don’t think there is such a thing. Sure Einstein or Alexander the Great may seem to be Demi Gods in comparison to “ordinary” human beings but that’s only because their uniqueness made itself boldly evident. I don’t believe excellence is to be set apart, create something unique, or even be doing something. Excellence is simply being who you are as you are to the highest degree.

[@cesarherrera2540]

I don’t know if this is one person or a team of people but your content has improved so much since this. Congrats on the success and mastery

[@Michael.S.Ryan.]

This is great for life. For me, for you, for us, for understanding, for growth. For potential, passion, everything positive, even negative. This is beauty. Thank you.

[@ryanrohn4561]

I am consistently grateful for this channel

[@jimmybertilsson3277]

True, the opinions of others are what we value, but we don't want to. We want to achieve this greatness, our own greatness. I just hope that I have enough strength to do it.

[@sekhar_211]

Academy of ideas is one such example of creativity.....

[@rafaeljordao]

I'm amazed by the value that you manage to share. Thank you!

[@sonnyanddelites]

It’s rational to do what you must to stay alive, creativity is for some the only way to do so. Rational creativity is balance.

[@garrywharton4044]

I only ever get a few minutes in to these and need to pause it to think about what's just been said. really good videos. keep them coming

[@A22by7]

I just discovered this excellent channel. I sincerely thank you for all the thought provoking content presented in such an erudite fashion.

[@satnamo]

Without love There is no joy. Without joy There is no creation. Without creation There is nothing. Therefore, love is de force of creation. If I have nothing to create Then create my self as a work of art.

[@nikolaybelorusov5522]

More people should watch this

[@kratos792]

I love this channel... brilliant videos!

[@Thurnishaley6969]

These opinions expressed are as If they were copied from within my own mind. Keep up the excellent work and may your channel grow to beat the Apollonian and dull School of Life.

[@academyofideas]

Thanks, I appreciate the words. And I did always have a preference for the Dionysian.

[@cheemsoftheocean7569]

Christian Tropeano The school of life has recently degraded itself to a cheap self-help and love advice channel. Their last video on the doctrine of having children was a shameless click bait

[@mrknarf4438]

Oh wow, this was published a long time ago... Glad to see you've been explaining and inspiring people for a long time ☺️

[@allenquartermane6134]

I am so glad that since my childhood I have always strived for excellence instead of perfection, and in doing so has prevented me from adopting the herd mentality . In many cases though I would receive strong opposition from mediocre minds.

[@javierlandry7246]

And when you're on top (just being invited to an awesome event for that matter...) they envy and say you are lucky.

[@riotmakerzify]

Please don’t stop making videos🙌

[@Creepzza]

Educational, one of the best channels on YT

[@AFKGr]

wondering if you ever considered compiling a video about eastern philosophy?

[@atulkatti80]

The origin of most philosophies is in the east..that is India and China.

[@ivanchu8415]

No joke, i ponder around the question of what is life, for humans and why we exist the way we do. And I have not read the works of these people, maybe I should, like right now. I've come to the conclusion (shortest paragraph I made to share) is that we as humans, love to create, whether it be relationship, craftsmanship or theories and thoughts, and that we are here to experience this world and beyond. I thought I had an original idea but it seems it is known well

[@cheemsoftheocean7569]

I love it that arguments in the comment section are taken so seriously. One can learn a lot from these :)

[@thatguymork]

That Mark Twain quote is from "What is Man?", a short work of his I recommend everybody read, as it presents good insights into the superficial problems in philosophy

[@marielleladt3830]

This is one of the best video on KZbin.

[@priscillajimenez27]

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.-Romans 12:2 KJV Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.-2Timothy 1:6 KJV

[@Aiodeus]

Your videos constantly motivate me to keep improving myself. Thank you.

[@etc9111]

My favorite channel.

[@hammeringhank5271]

Same

[@oonwing]

You guys!!!! Please don't ever stop!!!!

[@anhuynh6477]

One of the best videos to teach me about personal growth! Thank you for your practical and meaningful content that you share for people!

[@godleveleldritchblast5257]

I'm going to offer a third path, the pursuit of creation. Instead of chasing after pleasure or excellence, you can pursue both. Because you can gain both excellence and pleasure from the creation of something and under the pursuit of creation you learn the balance between the creative and destructive aspects of being human and what humanity is as a fundamental part of human existence.

[@vladpavel5728]

Thank you! This channel is the Holy Grail of wisdom and knowledge of self and other people.

[@khairunishakhetikheti3273]

Hal mara pagno saro kavo6 jo saro bnto chalisku ilaj kavo7 saro D kon rav ne saro khe6 tmaera pisa chalu thya pachidekhdva jav mne dva nhi te lasrt kavi6 dva thi reksa aave6

[@harmonyvegan]

This channel is excellent. Much gratitude.

[@jackroth5110]

I am not a slave to my creativity. I love it. I spend my life doing what I love to do.

[@kahlodiego5299]

These videos make my brain stop hurting.

[@shiptj01]

Thank you for this. I feel like I'm surrounded by people who want me to be comfortable and lazy. It's a difficult fight.

[@Hossam.Abostate]

This video is... EXCELLENT!

[@hurric4n3ike]

Story of my life. Pursuing my passions has given me an amount of self worth and peace previously unimaginable

[@scottmorgan8424]

Wonderful video. Please do one on Machiavelli.

[@joelewis8145]

Awesome video. Lots of ideas that I have had for a long time, just didn't have the poetical ability to give them justice. Will definitely check out Taylor.

[@ruvstof]

Indeed, very helpful, I will suggest to my students.

[@FreelanceJanitor]

Thank you for taking time to create this videos. They are a great resource.

[@boitshokonormanmabuse7472]

Love your vids bro, your informative contribution to the KZbin community just earned you my subscription.

[@danieljakubik3428]

There is useful practical wisdom of life here!

[@AFKGr]

absolutely fantastic channel

[@timjung640]

I agree with the general gist, but I disagree on two points: (1) Creativity and rationality are not mutually exclusive. In fact, creativity is rationality applied! In other words, creativity requires rationality. (2) The normalcy of willing slavery is not innate but rather the product of a majority (thus the normalcy) *choosing* (thus the willingness) to conform/fit in (thus the slavery). We can further trace this to the culture, which is the set of beliefs of a population held by the majority. Thus, willing slavery will no longer be normal if the beliefs that motivate the choice for conformity/fitting in are identified, challenged, and corrected.

[@timjung640]

Additionally, what is often described as creativity in other animals is not truly creativity (if creativity is understood properly). With better memory and association, other animals can stumble upon new ways of fulfilling their needs, whether it be with sticks or hunting in packs to push seals off floating ice. Association occur automatically (at the subconscious level), and is purely animalistic. To be sure, human beings are also animals, but we have an additional faculty on top of association: rationality. It's rationality that allows us to identify our own associations (through introspection) and additionally consciously remap those associations. Rationality (if understood properly) is evidenced by conceptualization, and it's precisely conceptualization that allows for sight into the future, i.e. planning. This involves delaying of instant gratification precisely because the organism with rationality is able to see that another path offers greater gratification in the future.

[@greggeverman5578]

@@timjung640 I think I agree with everything said here.

[@NicholasOsella]

writing a comment so i can see where i am in one year from right now. Nick, keep on truckin'

[@blondthought5175]

The term 'excellence' carries with it the implication that it is beyond the pale, i.e. beyond the average person. There are people who have tormented themselves mercilessly trying to go beyond their capabilities; not being well-balanced enough accept their limitations. Excellence is for the few; mediocrity is for the majority.

[@oldschoolman1444]

Even rock's are excellent in their own way. =)

[@bonelesspizza3726]

I think most people like that are not trying to go beyond there limits but I trying to get to there limits; but they are continuously pushed down by the world because they are trying to reach there limits in thru overregulated world of ours and not by making there own path.

[@tommathew2354]

This is my favourite video. Ever.

[@muneebkhan6136]

Brilliant but most importantly Lucid ...Hope we witness such interesting videos in future too

[@kimsherlock8969]

Very Educational, ....Science ,observational analysis of the point ones study. As humans we will never see truth , as we only see through scientific contamination. OUR OWN EXPERIENCE, depending on what we want to see. We are judging from our own experience times

[@ellenravelli6254]

Yes to the academy...you r a very thoughtful group ..

[@martinAcoustics12]

Another brilliant video! Please do an Introduction to Kant

[@cheemsoftheocean7569]

It is fascinating to see a dude like you achieving enlightenment at such a young age :D

[@shawnk951]

This is my new favorite channel. Thank you!

[@puttenicole]

Great. Just really great. Thanks!

[@prachurjyakashyap2029]

I love such videos that help me live life better.

[@kale936]

Virtus sibi pretium, virtue is it's own reward. Embody virtue and you will find excellence. This is a life long pursuit, don't be apathetic and develop rectitude and stick with it.

[@titusthetitan5505]

Truly grateful, this is transformative

[@CalmHive]

Wow, thank you so much for making this video and others.

[@fesnelybdis513]

When a person is excellent, I would say it is because they excel in many different spheres of conceptual understandings. e.g. polymath The common-denominator between all of these spheres is that they all involve mind, so I would then also say honing the mind to be what allows a person to truly become "excellent." All the roles, and schemas are arbitrary what is not is the teleological process that mind is enwrapped in.

[@georgeianta2088]

"How should I live my life?" In the distance you make out a faint but growing treble followed by rising clouds of dust left behind by the hordes of people who are now running in your direction to drown you in precious answers.

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

Sadly, the majority of my friends have opted for the "willing slavery" mode in their lives. I miss the ole college years where almost all of my friends were the opposite of those I have today. Television has not helped, as many are addicted to a passive existence watching show after show, episode after episode.

[@in2dionysus]

Energy reflected empowers the body to become thyself, just the reflection is apart of the matrix yet circumvented, the whole becomes powerful here! Ascertain the fold of the wind . . .

[@dominicwarrenable]

How does this balance with the disolving of the Ego? What is the Self vs Ego?

[@javierlandry7246]

In other video he said that Ego should integrate, not separate ourselves from others (I'm better than him, I don't need nobody...). Ego is also too focus on self gratification. 'Self' is being the best person you can be in your own individual potencialities and capacities.

[@bjewel3751]

I love this channel so much. Thank you.

[@1fren363]

best video by the best channel on youtube

[@jorgegustavomartinez5451]

Very good video. A motivating one. Jorge G.M. Santa Fe, Argentina.

[@sasacabalquinto]

My favorite channel ❤️

[@jakemcnamee9417]

I love this channel . I feel like I'm in a sweetshop of ideas

[@frequentflyer8866]

Bro you should make a video on how you make these videos...excellent content!

[@taketheredpill1452]

whenever there are 2 schools of thought integrate them. It's a question of ratio not on or off. For example: 60% excellence, 40% pleasure, etc....

[@jds088]

Incredible video! Thank you very much for doing this!

[@shridhar1286]

i m lucky to find these thank you sooo much sharing with us

[@greggeverman5578]

GREAT vid!