Using the theories put forth in his bestselling book "Flow", Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains the creative process, providing readers with lessons ...
read full description
reviews
Dec 30, 2007
Stephbencin
rated it: 
If and when I begin my Oprah-esque empire, in addition to constantly touting Fizzy Lizzy's (best drink ever!!!) I will also employ this brilliant man as my guru. Fortunately for my fan base, this man is an actually intellectual who has devoted himself to the study of psychology and not some quack that believes if you just imagine that you have a refrigerator with a DVD player, one will materialize. Also, Csikszentmihali never did a match.com commercial.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 09, 2011
Mark
rated it:
This was a good if not a great book. Its greatest strength lies in the thesis introduced early on and supported throughout that the kind of creativity that leaves a trace in the cultural matrix rests not in the personal creativity of the individual, but in what Csikszentmihalyi tags the “systems approach “ to creativity. To have any effect, a creative idea must be couched in terms that are understandable to others, pass muster with the experts in the field (i.e. the gatekeepers to the domain),
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 09, 2011
Nancy
rated it: 
I believe this is a seminal book for anyone interested in the psychology of the creative process.
I first read Creativity in 1998-1999 and enjoyed it then, but recently picked it up again to take on a trip with me. This time, some 11 years later and after a major career change, the books means so much more to me. I think that is because the first time I read it, I was looking for ways to bring more creativity into my life. Now, after a few years of focusing on art as my career, the c More...
I first read Creativity in 1998-1999 and enjoyed it then, but recently picked it up again to take on a trip with me. This time, some 11 years later and after a major career change, the books means so much more to me. I think that is because the first time I read it, I was looking for ways to bring more creativity into my life. Now, after a few years of focusing on art as my career, the c More...
Nov 21, 2008
Matt
rated it: 
Quite the intriguing read.
If you care at all about creativity (and you should), this book is at least worth flipping through.
A lot of what I got from the book can be surmised from chapter titles and skimming through reading topic sentences. It often reads like something of a textbook--it's not a narrative, but draws upon interviews with hundreds of creative individuals (including nobel prize winners, CEOs, writers, poets, and more), offering insights based on trends and More...
If you care at all about creativity (and you should), this book is at least worth flipping through.
A lot of what I got from the book can be surmised from chapter titles and skimming through reading topic sentences. It often reads like something of a textbook--it's not a narrative, but draws upon interviews with hundreds of creative individuals (including nobel prize winners, CEOs, writers, poets, and more), offering insights based on trends and More...
Dec 05, 2011
April
rated it:
This work attempts to some degree to characterize creativity based on interviews with creative individuals. I think some of the definitions, including that of creativity, were limiting, but I guess the author chose to do it to make his points. For example, the author says that an artist is not "Creative" unless the field recognizes the artist as such, and that an artist can easily be "Creative" during the Renaissance but not now due to changes in artistic opinion. I just didn
More...
Feb 11, 2011
Jeremy
rated it:
Not your typical book with a main character. Mihaly pulls in different examples from his scholarly research to prove to the reader that 'flow' exists and is worth taking a deeper look into it. The examples range from Einstein to modern day artists and scientists. As a person raised in an athletic environment it touched base my desire to understand a common trait between academics/athletics/music/etc...
Jul 29, 2011
Cade
rated it:
A very thorough study of creativity among some very, very successful individuals (can't help but feel a little mediocre after reading this). Much of this book is qualitative description, and whilst informative and valuable to the discussion, makes it somewhat tedious (especially the middle-end chapters). Some great ideas and thoughts which will be of value to most who read it.
Oct 02, 2010
Another great book by the Hungarian-American prof of positive psychology whose name is too hard to remember and write. Cited in Wikipedia as one of the world's leading experts on the social and psychological features of happiness and creativity, this book has Mihaly describing the relationship between his idea of flow and the creation of new ideas. Another page-turner.
Jul 27, 2011
Joana
rated it:
I recommend anything from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi... Nevertheless, in this case, I find the numbers and statistic get too predominant, but his definition of creativity, as well as the whole idea of being in a "state of flow", are just really inspiring. Give it a try!
Jul 16, 2011
Charlotte Hutson
rated it:
I could not put this book down. I am an artist, and the interviews with other creative people fascinated me. The book is highly accessible, full of great research, and actually changed me. I marked it up for reference like I usually do so I can refer back to important parts but I think I may read the entire book again it was so good. Highly recommend.
Apr 23, 2011
Gayle
rated it:
I thought it was very interesting and thought provoking. It hurt my brain to read - as I haven't read something like this since college. A good stretch for me ;-)
Jan 17, 2011
A good read but a bit tedious. This is a researched book and well written on creativity.
One of the good books I can say on Creativity.
Saketh
One of the good books I can say on Creativity.
Saketh
Jul 25, 2010
Sandy
rated it:
One of the best books I've ever read.
It is filled with nice little stories about creatives from all fields and it gives an idea of Flow.
It is filled with nice little stories about creatives from all fields and it gives an idea of Flow.
Jul 10, 2011
Marla
rated it:
I found this dense to read, and I love the topic. Worth keeping in the library if it's part of your research or interest.
May 25, 2009
Sarah
rated it: 
Parts of this are terrifically useful -- I wish he didn't assume that his audience consisted of people who needed to be told how to make daily life "creative" and that he looked more at the differences as well as similarities between temperaments and practices in the arts and sciences.
Dec 16, 2009
Victoria
rated it:
Educator that I am, I find myself drawn to books that might help explain human thinking and how to unleash the best in another person. Light reading, no doubt. This book is a bit technical in the beginning (do not read before bed), but does a thorough job of dissecting what we mean by creativity and the forces that encourage its expression. The practical suggestions to enhance creativity in everyday life are great for teachers and those just looking to break out of a rut.
Jan 22, 2009
Steve
rated it:
This was an excellent read. I found the very detailed and robust examples to be very enlightening and full of useful ideas. I would highly recommend this book - though will warn you that it is a somewhat slow read because of the jam-packed information it contains.
I really enjoyed it though and know I will use it as a reference book many times in the future.
I really enjoyed it though and know I will use it as a reference book many times in the future.
Mar 15, 2008
Cydh
rated it:
This book really changed the way I think. It is an active process and I learned to recognize my sparks and follow them. It makes me notice connections in my life more. It is heavy and technical in spots, but this is needed for a complete understanding. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their ability to be present and in the moment.
Oct 29, 2007
Amanda
rated it:
This is a heavier read, but absolutely wonderful and insightful about the lives of creative people. The author interviewed some of the most creative people of our time, and broke up the book into chapters of discussions about the creative process, domains, culture, etc., adding in bits and pieces from these people.
Sep 07, 2009
Deb, the Word Muse
rated it:
I must say I found much excellent information and suggestions. It's on the dense side, I suggest it for those interested in the study of creativity. But I recommend that you also read other texts on creative research as one source can't give a balanced approach or view of this complicated topic.
Oct 29, 2011
Matt
rated it:
This is a great follow up to "Flow" by the same author. Lots of great insights into creativity.
Apr 02, 2007
Tran
rated it: 
Interesting premise: trying to find common experiential, psychological traits among creative types in a variety of fields. Boring execution: typical clinical psycho-babble. I almost finished the book, but my interest trailed off.
Aug 17, 2011
Daniel
rated it:
One of the best books, if not the best about the topic of creative lives and creative way of living.
It talks about the lifes of some (lots) of eminent contemporanean creative people, and I find it really interesting.
It talks about the lifes of some (lots) of eminent contemporanean creative people, and I find it really interesting.
Jun 03, 2008
Kiersten
rated it:
Definitely an academic read but it's got some good things to point out in terms of how the creativity process works. They interviewed tons of people to show how the creativity process differs for individuals
Dec 27, 2007
Carlo
rated it:
I really liked his other book, Flow so I was kinda disappointed by this book. It doesn't really come to any useful conclusion about creative individuals, only debunking common misconceptions about them.
Feb 11, 2008
Mike
rated it:
This book gives a lot of insight into the creative mind and mental 'flow' states. It focuses more on creativity associated with invention and discovery, and less on artistic creativity.
