Inspiration from the Webb Telescope: A New Perspective on Creativity
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The Power of Persistence in Scientific Creation
I have immense admiration for scientists, viewing them as pioneers in long-term creativity. Achieving scientific accuracy requires repeated efforts until their work earns validation from intellectual peers. This process embodies a distinct kind of creativity.
The Webb Telescope, a decade-long endeavor costing ten billion dollars, faced 344 potential points of failure during its launch and deployment—each capable of resulting in its failure. You might wonder how such a scientific, design, and engineering project can be framed as a creative venture.
In recent years, there's been a notable shift in STEM education to include an 'A' for art, coining the term STEAM. I contend that the Webb Telescope epitomizes this integrated approach for several reasons.
First, the sheer scale of vision needed to conceive, advocate for, and finance such a seemingly doomed project is monumental. Creators can take a vital lesson from this: the importance of persistence, even when the odds are stacked against them. Crafting a novel or composing a symphony can feel equally daunting for one individual.
The outcomes of the Webb Telescope are breathtaking—stunning images that reveal thirteen billion years of cosmic history. Beyond their scientific significance, these images can be regarded as vast artistic achievements.
Each image holds the potential to inspire countless new STEAM students to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges, much like the scientists and engineers who brought this project to fruition.
For a deeper dive into this endeavor, I highly recommend the Netflix documentary "Universe: Cosmic Time Machine," which chronicles the telescope's construction and launch. It serves as a powerful source of motivation.
And just think—if humanity can create such a marvel, you can certainly pen that novel you've been dreaming about. You likely won't encounter 344 failure points along the way.
If you remain skeptical about considering this as art, take a look at some photo galleries showcasing the telescope's images. They are genuinely exceptional.
Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
This newsletter on writing and creativity may seem unconventional, but inspiration often arises from the most unexpected experiences. Crafting a novel, in my view, involves building an entire universe, even if that universe exists solely in the mind of a single character.
While we may not require extensive funding or numerous degrees, we do need the vision, determination, and persistence to see our projects through. Even if our work never reaches a publisher, the universe you create within yourself is significant—it's an accomplishment to be proud of.
In my perspective, artists can be categorized into two groups. The first includes those who create a handful of pieces and continually return to them as evidence of their creativity. This could be the poet who recites the same poems repeatedly or the musician who performs one song at every open mic night.
Conversely, the second group consists of artists who develop an expansive body of work, often exploring unexpected avenues, seldom repeating themselves or, when they do, discovering new ways to express their ideas.
Aim to be the latter artist or writer. Stagnation does not equate to growth. Embracing the possibility of failure repeatedly leads to true development. The stunning images produced by the Webb Telescope remind us that the universe is dynamic, constantly evolving over billions of years.
This article first appeared in my writing newsletter, "The Grasshopper." I am nearing my 100th issue, coinciding with the second anniversary of this Substack project. These 100 issues represent my reflections on the writer's lifestyle. Over a year ago, I introduced a new section titled "The Witness Chronicles," focusing on my writings about politics, global issues, and climate change, which has gained significant traction, appearing 3-4 times weekly.
In the United States, we currently find ourselves in the midst of a highly contentious election year, which has polarized many citizens along extremist lines. Initially, this division was political, with individuals identifying as either conservative or liberal. However, it has now transformed into a struggle between democracy and autocracy, rooted in intolerance and fear.
While many view this situation as detrimental to our nation, I remain hopeful that democracy and the rule of law will triumph. After nearly 250 years, our record remains unmatched globally.
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~ I write "The Grasshopper," a newsletter for creatives, "The Witness Chronicles," a platform for articles on politics and climate, and "The Remarkable," a recovery-focused letter about my journey with addiction and reentry. All are free and published weekly. However, I believe that all writers and creatives deserve compensation for their contributions. Upgrading to a paid subscription helps sustain my work.
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