Closing the Gap: Creativity, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship

Closing the Gap: Creativity, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship

Creativity and philosophy may seem like two distinct realms, but upon closer examination, they share common threads that can greatly influence the world of entrepreneurship. Both creativity and philosophy require a deep understanding of oneself and the world around us. They push us to question, explore, and create new possibilities. In this article, we will explore the connections between creativity, philosophy, and entrepreneurship, and how they can inform and enhance our own personal and professional journeys.

Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, once shared a quote that perfectly captures the essence of the creative process. He said, "Nobody tells this to people who are beginners. I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be. It has potential. But your taste -- your taste is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you."

Glass highlights a common struggle that many creatives face: the disconnect between their aspirations and their current skill level. When we first embark on a creative journey, whether it's writing, painting, or entrepreneurship, we often fall short of our own expectations. Our taste and intuition tell us what we want to create, but our skills have yet to catch up. This can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and even quitting.

However, Glass offers valuable advice for overcoming this hurdle: "The most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline, so that every week, you will finish one project. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap and your work will be as good as your ambitions." The key here is to keep creating, to keep practicing, and to keep pushing ourselves to improve. It is through repetition and reinvention over time that we can bridge the gap between our taste and our abilities.

This concept of continuous improvement and iteration is not only applicable to creativity but also to entrepreneurship. In a talk at SXSW, Ira Glass emphasized the importance of not waiting and simply making things. He said, "Don't wait. Just make the thing. Make a version, and then make it better and then make it better." This mindset echoes the principles of entrepreneurship, where the process of creating a product or service is an iterative journey of testing, refining, and improving.

Philosophy, on the other hand, provides a framework for understanding ourselves and the world. It encourages us to question our beliefs, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore new possibilities. Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers of all time, believed that philosophy starts by studying the material world we live in. He emphasized the importance of theory and practice, the constant loop between developing ideas and testing them in the real world.

For entrepreneurs, this approach can be invaluable. By developing theories about how human beings think, connect, and pursue the good, we can design products and services that resonate with people on a fundamental level. Aristotle teaches us to revise our theories based on practice, to engage with the world and refine our ideas based on real-life feedback. This combination of theory and practice is the key to impactful entrepreneurship.

Another philosopher who greatly influenced entrepreneurship is Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche believed in the importance of creative destruction and the pursuit of the new. He encouraged individuals to break away from the constraints of the past and create better versions of themselves. This emphasis on individuality and creativity aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit of innovation and pushing boundaries.

In studying philosophy, particularly the works of Ludwig Wittgenstein, we delve into the complexities of language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. Wittgenstein's focus on language and communication highlights the importance of effective collaboration and the exchange of ideas in entrepreneurship. How we express ourselves, how we collaborate, and how we create rituals and systems within our organizations greatly impact our ability to succeed.

To close the gap between our aspirations and our abilities in both creativity and entrepreneurship, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the volume of work: Don't be discouraged by initial failures or shortcomings. Keep creating, keep practicing, and keep pushing yourself to improve. It is through a volume of work that you will bridge the gap between your taste and your abilities.

2. Embrace iteration and improvement: Embrace the mindset of constantly making things better. Test your ideas, gather feedback, and refine your products or services based on real-life results. The process of improvement is a fundamental part of both creativity and entrepreneurship.

3. Embrace philosophical inquiry: Question your beliefs, challenge the status quo, and explore new possibilities. Engage with the world, refine your theories based on practice, and develop a deep understanding of yourself and your audience. Philosophy can provide valuable insights and frameworks for entrepreneurial success.

In conclusion, the worlds of creativity, philosophy, and entrepreneurship are intimately intertwined. They all require a deep understanding of oneself, a willingness to question, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By embracing the connections between these realms, we can bridge the gap between our aspirations and our abilities, and create meaningful, impactful work. So, don't wait, just make the thing, and let your creativity, philosophy, and entrepreneurial spirit guide you on your journey to success.