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Why do creative people need time to sit around and do nothing?

The dilemma of constant activity for creative minds

Elvis Hsiao
UX Collective
9 min readJun 24, 2023

Digital art of Thomas Edison holding a lightbulb
Source: https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/thomas-edison-an-inspiration-for-cybersecurity-inventions/

In an era where every minute is earmarked for productivity, the idea of “doing nothing” seems inconceivable, even indulgent. Our collective consciousness is saturated with the notion that success is synonymous with relentless activity and ceaseless creation. This ethos, as seductive as it may be, often overlooks a fundamental ingredient in the recipe for innovative thinking, the power of downtime.

But what if I told you that some of the most creative minds in history, those who have given us brilliant inventions and timeless art, recognized and leveraged the power of doing nothing?

That they understood something fundamental that our fast-paced society often dismisses. And that creativity isn’t merely a product of constant labor but flourishes in the quiet moments of idleness?

A growing body of evidence suggests that periods of rest, far from being unproductive, are critical for fostering creativity.

This isn’t just a philosophical musing or an anecdotal observation, it is backed by rigorous scientific research. A growing body of evidence suggests that periods of rest, far…

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Published in UX Collective

We believe designers are thinkers as much as they are makers. Curated stories on UX, Visual & Product Design. https://linktr.ee/uxc

Written by Elvis Hsiao

Product Designer | 3X Top Writer | Vancouver, BC | Creating Positive Impact Through Design.

Responses (7)

What are your thoughts?

A very worthy read and as a creator who has struggled to take a break and lost all her abilities to create for a while, this made me feel understood.

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Great insights. Domenico De Masi's book, "The Creative Idleness," emphasizes the need to reconsider how we perceive work and leisure time, advocating for the importance of a healthy balance between the two to promote creativity, well-being, productiveness and a more fulfilling life.

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Liminal space. That's where the action is. In boredom and sleep it all clicks together. Thanks!

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