I don’t need to always quote others because I actually have original thoughts.
R. Alan Woods
I sit down to write this with a certain delicious sense of irony in mind. Especially given the above quote and my predilection for using other people’s ideas as jumping points for my musings. I am, however, struck by the concept that I may have never had a truly original thought. Every single thing I might have ever done, thought, or created was entirely derivative with not an ounce of originality.
Have we entered an era of thought replication and homogeneity or are the seeds of originality and integrity still being sown on fertile ground?
The Deluge
The internet and the digitisation of information have revolutionised our access to a wealth of knowledge generated throughout mankind’s history. This unfettered access to information, whilst undeniably beneficial, has also triggered some nuanced discussion on what constitutes original thought. The once clear distinction between novel insights and the re-iteration of existing notions has blurred.
The absolute volume of information available on the internet, estimated at upwards of 5 million terabytes, provides its own challenges. Individuals can readily access a torrent of information, but disseminating it, analysing and innovating upon that information becomes increasingly challenging. A paradox has emerged whereby the sheer volume of information both enables and hinders the evolution of thought.
The instinctual shortcut that we take when we have “too much information” is to engage with it selectively, picking out the parts we like and ignoring the remainder.
Nate Silver
On Serendipity and Algorithms
The democratisation of knowledge has led to a semblance of shared consciousness helped by the echo chambers facilitated by social media and search algorithms. The power of diverse viewpoints to catalyse original thought faces a growing challenge in the light of hugely insular virtual spaces. The human inclination has always been to seek out like-minded individuals. In virtual echo chambers, however, ideas are not cultivated in isolation, but rather validated and reinforced by the opinions of others in the group. As a result, individuals may find themselves recycling and re-using pre-existing ideas and perspectives, ultimately limiting the emergence of new and groundbreaking thoughts.
Algorithmic curation has altered how we search for, and ultimately receive information on a daily basis. Your search entries, viewing history, friends lists, follows and followers are all weighted to tailor your online experience. The platform owners would argue that this gives the viewer an optimised experience, allowing them to find like-minded people or content they have already shown an interest in. However, this poses a risk in limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. A chance encounter with an unconventional idea, the cornerstone of original thought, is increasingly eclipsed by software that ultimately reinforces existing beliefs.
If an echo chamber of ideas has a downside, it can also present an upside. Collaborative works, between two or more individuals, offer an opportunity to be creative and spark ideas that transcend individual thinking. Multidisciplinary collaboration between disparate fields can often lead to leaps of imagination and have the potential to birth revolutionary concepts.
There’s Creativity in the Chaos
When confronted with disruption and chaos the human mind demonstrates an astonishing ability to adapt, improvise and create novel solutions. In these moments the traditional boundaries are stretched, giving rise to new perspectives and original ideas. The Renaissance is a prime example. From the 14th to 17th century in Europe, there was a revival of interest in art, science, literature and humanism, and it all emerged in the wake of massive challenges and societal upheaval. The Black Plague, the end of Feudalism and the political conflicts of the time challenged established systems and norms.
And yet, in this chaos we had the rediscovery of classical knowledge as Greek scholars migrated to Europe after the fall of the Byzantine Empire, The increase in trade brought new ideas from the Middle East, and pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo all emerged. The advent of the printing press also allowed ideas to spread faster and more widely than before. All of this left an indelible mark on modern art, science and culture, created in the midst of change.
In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.
Carl Jung
I’m on a Quest for Authenticity
Given that we live in a world where trends and viral sensations dominate the spotlight, the search for authenticity is emerging as a counterculture. When the cultural narrative is pushed by carefully curated personas, in immaculately presented environments, with filters to obfuscate reality and products to sell alongside the personalities, it is logical for some to reject this inauthenticity. In a world that often values conformity, embracing authenticity could be seen as a sign of rebellion, a declaration that your thoughts and expressions are worthy of validation.
The quest for authenticity carries the potential to reignite original thought and invention. As people reject the cultural norms they open themselves up to exploration of unconventional ideas and concepts. In this current age, the cultural norm is already a rejection of previous generations’ expectations and styles. The counterculture that is emerging is one of tradition, hand craftsmanship, individual expression, honesty and integrity. The pursuit of authenticity also has a ripple effect on communities and cultures.
Ultimately the pursuit of authenticity represents a return to the essence of human existence. A recognition that each individual possesses a constellation of experiences, beliefs and aspirations that are uniquely their own. If you peel back the layers of social expectations the raw unfiltered self emerges. From there, the potential for original thought and creativity.
Conclusion
There is not a single original thought in this article. Of which I am remarkably aware. I am however observant of the counter-culture trend away from the fake, the inauthentic, the consumption culture, pushed every day through social media. That is something that I can applaud. I believe that the tradition of authenticity and integrity is the sanity of a society and a rejection of chaos and delusion.
The true conclusion of this ramble is ultimately that humans have a boundless ability to create and be creative, to think and to dream. Some may thrive in the chaos, others require the peace and solitude that comes from tuning out the noise of everyday life. Reject the superficial, discover authenticity, integrity and the pursuit of original thought.
I believe that there is fertile ground yet.
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