Creativity Quote by John Cleese
“We all operate in two contrasting modes, which might be called open and closed. The open mode is more relaxed, more receptive, more exploratory, more democratic, more playful and more humorous. The closed mode is the tighter, more rigid, more hierarchical, more tunnel-visioned. Most people, unfortunately spend most of their time in the closed mode.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: John Cleese on creativity, 2005
People toggle between open, playful mindset and closed, rigid mindset; openness is rarer.
In simple terms: Open mode is playful; closed is rigid.
Foster openness regularly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- brainstorming
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you need a closed mode?
- How can you shift to openness?
Closed mode can be necessary for deadlines.