Creative work Quote by Alice W. Flaherty
““Most agree that a useful definition of creative work is that it includes a combination of novelty and value. Creativity requires novelty because tried-and-true solutions are not creative, even if they are ingenious and useful. And creative works must be valuable (useful or illuminating to at least some members of the population) because a work that is merely odd is not creative. This two-pronged definition of creativity also provides an explanation of why the creative can lie close to the insane (unusual but valueless behavior).””
About This Quote
Creativity is defined by producing something both new and useful; novelty without value is merely oddness, while value without novelty is not creative.
In simple terms: Creative work must be both original and beneficial.
Key Takeaway
Innovation requires novelty and usefulness.
Themes
creativity
innovation
value
novelty
definition
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
definition
theoretical
When to use this quote
- designing a new product
- writing a novel
- inventing a scientific method
Key Concepts
utility
originality
Practical Applications
- evaluate ideas for both novelty and impact
- balance risk‑taking with audience relevance
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a novel idea become valuable?
- Can something be valuable without being novel?
A Different Perspective
Some artistic movements prize provocation over utility, challenging the value‑requirement.
![“If [people] place such things as friendship and family ties above their own productive work, yes, then they are immoral. Friendship, family life and human relationships are not primary in a man's life. A man who places others first, above his own creative work, is an emotional parasite.” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/644/ayn-rand-59_creative_if-people-place-such-things-as-friendshi_53834.jpg)
![“We pride ourselves at Natrona - I mean, pride {ironically] - on developing a noncompetitive community. That's very important. The values that can come from that kind of meditative work combined with the creative work you do, combined with your activism, can come together.” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/392/anne-waldman-4046_activism_we-pride-ourselves-at-natrona-i-mean-pri_100312.jpg)
