Ideas Worth Spreading
Mar 24, 2010 by Dan Wagoner 
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Posted under: creative inspiration, creativity, ideas, Shekhar Kapur, story telling, TED
No Comments Posted under: creative inspiration, creativity, ideas, Shekhar Kapur, story telling, TED
Posted by: Dan
I recently found a website called TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design). The site features online videos of people sharing ideas and telling stories. These people just so happen to be world renowned in their area of expertise (some recognizable names include Bill Gates – Technology, James Cameron – Film, Jane Goodall – Science, etc.). The motto expressed on the TED web site is, “Ideas Worth Spreading.” After viewing a few for myself, I couldn’t agree more. The thoughts and ideas expressed by these amazing individuals are worth sharing with the masses.
Not particularly interested in what Bill Gates has to say, I chose to view the video of a lesser know speaker. Shekhar Kapur is a filmmaker and story teller from Lahore, British India (modern day Pakistan). He recently directed the Academy Award nominated film Elizabeth. His talk was aimed at identifying his source for creative inspiration. Although his perspective could be viewed as nothing short of unconventional, I’m betting this unorthodox approach has directly contributed to his success.
When discussing how he prepares to direct a film, Kapur shares a powerful perspective. He relies on the power of not knowing. It is Kapur’s belief that we all prepare and think too much. Over analyzation and endless amounts of research hinders the creative process. Kapur notes, “Knowledge becomes a weight upon wisdom.” So Kapur resolves to disregard any type of regime or predetermined plan for his day. Instead, he seeks out panic in an effort to “get rid of his mind” and any preconceived convention for how he should approach a challenge. Kapur elaborates, “I allow myself to go into chaos. Because out of chaos I’m hoping some moments of truth will come.”
This quote resounds with me. I have personally experienced some of my greatest ideas and life changing perspectives in the midst of chaos. I didn’t have time to think or analyze. My perspective wasn’t tainted by past knowledge, perception or misguided advice. Great ideas and true authenticity made its way to the forefront.
It takes a lot of courage to submit yourself to chaos. I never want to feel unprepared or panicked. I can admit that I’ve achieved great ideas and perspectives in times of chaos. However, the environment was unplanned and not of my own choosing. Do you have the courage to submit yourself to panic with hopes of realizing an idea that is truly organic? The fear of appearing unprepared or disorganized will more than likely prevent most of us from ever experiencing this type of creativity. If I ever muster the gumption to try something like this, I’ll be sure to share my experience. Until then, I’ll stay inside the box, in awe of Shekar Kapur’s genius and bravery.
