The Surprising Truth: Growing Up Can Make Us Less Genius

n a remarkable study commissioned by NASA, scientists Dr George Land and Beth Jarman delved into the creative potential of school children using a creativity test developed initially for NASA projects.

The longitudinal study, spanning ages 5, 10, and 15, provided astonishing insights into how the education system impacts creativity. 

NASA commissioned Dr. George Land and Beth Jarman to investigate and cultivate creative talent. Their mission: identify imaginative minds among school children to contribute to NASA's projects.

In a recent TED talk, Dr. Land shared their startling findings about the effects of the education system on children's creativity.

The research revealed a surprising trend: American schoolchildren lose their creative thinking abilities as they progress through the educational system. Land and Jarman conducted a longitudinal study, observing 1,600 children aged 5, 10, and 15.

At age 5, 98 percent of these children demonstrated "genius-level" imaginative and innovative thinking when presented with a problem that required an inventive solution. Their responses were brilliant, showcasing their inherent creative genius.

However, as these children entered the school system, a drastic decline in creative thinking became evident.

By age 10, only 30 percent of the children retained their genius-level imaginative thinking abilities. The researchers were led to believe that the conventional education system played a significant role in this decline, with 68 percent of the students losing their imaginative thinking capabilities.

By the time these children reached age 15, only 12 percent had remained at the genius level, leaving many to ponder how such a bright group of children could experience such a dramatic decline in their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Dr. Land attributes this decline in creative thinking to the Industrial Revolution, which led to the establishing of "schools" as factories for producing individuals suitable for factory work.

This historical shift marked the beginning of a transformation in education, with its focus shifting from fostering creativity to standardization and conformity.

The emphasis on preparing students to pass standardized exams has left little room for creative thinking in the classroom.

Dr Land's team was not surprised to discover that only 2 percent of adults aged 31 still retained their ability to think imaginatively and innovatively.

This decline in creative thinking is a concerning trend for our future.

Dr. Land emphasizes that we can rekindle our creative thinking and imagination by abandoning negative thought patterns. He urges individuals to eliminate judgment, criticism, and censorship from their lives.

Children with brilliant ideas often face constant criticism, which conditions them to conform to mainstream thinking rather than exploring alternative, accepted solutions.

Dr. Land encourages people to rediscover the creative thinking they possessed at the age of 5, as it's a capability that never truly disappears.

To reawaken this creative genius, he suggests engaging in imaginative thinking by dreaming big and often and resisting naysayers who may hinder imaginative exploration.

Land points out the link between fear and inactivity in the brain, showing how fear impedes creativity while imagination activates the brain. The key to innovation, according to Land, is to abandon the pursuit of a single "right answer" and instead encourage students to explore multiple possibilities.

Dr. Land pointed to the educational paradigm, emphasizing that divergent thinking, which fuels creativity, was gradually overshadowed by convergent thinking, which focuses on finding the "right answer."

Convergent and divergent thinking are two cognitive processes that play essential roles in problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making. They represent contrasting approaches to tackling challenges and arriving at solutions.

Convergent Thinking: Convergent thinking is a cognitive process that focuses on finding the single, correct answer or solution to a well-defined problem. It involves bringing various information, ideas, or options together to reach a specific, predetermined outcome.

Convergent thinking is typically associated with analytical, logical, and systematic reasoning. Critical characteristics of convergent thinking include:

1. Narrow Focus: Convergent thinking narrows the possibilities to arrive at one correct solution or answer, often seen as the "best" or most efficient option.
2. Objective: It relies on criteria to evaluate and select the most appropriate solution.
3. Logical and Sequential: The process follows an analytical, step-by-step approach, adhering to a predefined set of rules or guidelines.
4. Standardized Testing: Convergent thinking is frequently measured in standardized tests and assessments, such as multiple-choice exams, where there is a clear, correct answer.
5. Common in Education: Traditional education systems often emphasize convergent thinking to assess students' abilities to recall information and apply it in a structured manner.
6. Efficiency: It is well-suited for scenarios where efficiency, accuracy, and precision are paramount.

Divergent Thinking: Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is a thought process that involves generating a wide range of potential solutions, ideas, or possibilities to address an open-ended or ambiguous problem.

It encourages creative, non-linear, and imaginative thinking. Critical characteristics of divergent thinking include:

1. Exploratory: Divergent thinking encourages exploration and the generation of multiple, often unconventional, ideas or solutions.
2. Subjective: It involves personal interpretation and often lacks a single, universally "correct" answer, as it can lead to multiple valid solutions.
3. Non-linear and Holistic: The process does not follow a fixed, linear sequence but instead explores various avenues simultaneously, allowing for connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
4. Flexibility: Divergent thinking promotes flexibility in thinking and the ability to view problems from different angles and perspectives.
5. Creative Problem-Solving: It is central to creative problem-solving, brainstorming, and innovation, enabling individuals to avoid conventional solutions.
6. Originality: Divergent thinking often leads to original or unique ideas, which can result in breakthroughs in various fields.

In a world where industries must continually innovate and adapt to evolving landscapes, Land stresses the importance of cultivating imaginative problem-solving skills. Rather than fixating on a single correct solution, he advises considering 30-40 creative alternatives to foster innovation and creativity.

The research conducted by Dr. George Land and Beth Jarman provides valuable insights into the potential and development of geniuses, particularly in the context of early childhood education. It suggests the following points about intellectuals:

1. Genius in Early Childhood: The study indicates that creative genius is not limited to a select few but is a potential in many young children. At age 5, many children tested at a "genius" level when presented with imaginative problem-solving tasks. This suggests that creative thinking is a natural and widespread ability in early childhood.
2. Innate Creativity: The findings highlight the notion that creativity is a natural quality present in children. The ability to think imaginatively, develop innovative solutions, and explore multiple possibilities is inherent in many individuals from a young age.
3. Educational Impact: The decline in creative thinking as children progress through the education system suggests that traditional educational methods might stifle or diminish the creative potential of students. The transition from open, imaginative thinking to a more standardized, "right answer" approach can lead to a decline in creative genius.
4. Critical Role of Environment: The study emphasizes the significant role that the educational environment plays in nurturing or hindering creative thinking. Harmful elements such as judgment, criticism, and censorship can deter creative exploration, while positive and supportive environments can encourage it.
5. Hope for the Future: While the research reveals a decline in creative thinking over time, it also suggests that these abilities can be rekindled. By shedding stigmas and limitations, individuals can reawaken their creative genius and regain their capacity for imaginative problem-solving.
6. Importance of Imaginative Thinking: The research underscores the value of imaginative thinking, not only in childhood but throughout life. Maintaining and promoting creative thinking is vital for personal growth, adaptability, and innovation, which is essential in a rapidly changing world.

Maintaining and nurturing one's creative and intellectual abilities as one grows older requires a combination of lifestyle choices, mindset, and continuous learning.

Here are some strategies to help a person remain a "genius" as they age:

Lifelong Learning: A commitment to lifelong learning is essential. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and engage in activities that challenge your mind and expand your knowledge. Continuously seeking to learn new things keeps your brain active and flexible.

Read Widely: Reading is an excellent way to stimulate your mind. Explore a variety of subjects, including those outside your comfort zone. Fiction, non-fiction, magazines, and newspapers can all provide valuable insights and knowledge.

Creative Hobbies: Engage in creative hobbies like painting, writing, music, or cooking. These activities promote creativity and problem-solving, and they can be enjoyable and fulfilling.

Mental Exercises: Challenge your brain with puzzles, brain teasers, and strategic games like chess or Sudoku. These activities keep your mind sharp and encourage critical thinking.

Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset. Ask questions, seek answers, and explore new interests. The desire to understand the world around you is a powerful driver of lifelong genius.

Physical Health: Physical well-being is closely linked to mental acuity: regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep support cognitive function and brain health.

Social Engagement: Maintain social connections with friends and family. Engaging in meaningful conversations and debates helps to keep your mind active and exposes you to different perspectives and ideas.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall cognitive function. These practices help you stay mentally agile.

Teach and Mentor: Sharing your knowledge and expertise with others can be a fulfilling way to keep your mind engaged. Teaching and mentoring allow you to revisit and deepen your understanding of subjects while helping others learn.

Adapt to Change: Be open to change and embrace new technologies. The ability to adapt and learn in a rapidly evolving world is a hallmark of genius.

Travel: Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures can broaden your horizons and provide fresh perspectives, inspiring creativity and intellectual growth.

Problem-Solving Challenges: Continue to engage in problem-solving challenges in your personal and professional life. Encountering and resolving complex issues keeps your mind sharp.

Self-Reflection: Periodically reflect on your goals, values, and aspirations. Self-awareness and introspection can lead to personal growth and renewed creativity.

Seek Feedback: Be open to feedback from peers and mentors. Constructive feedback can help refine your ideas and approaches, leading to intellectual growth.

Avoid Complacency: Avoid settling into a routine that offers no intellectual challenge. Step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities and experiences.

Stay Positive: A positive attitude and belief in your ability to learn and grow are essential for maintaining genius as you age. Maintain confidence in your intellectual capacity.

Remember that intelligence and creativity are not fixed traits but can be developed and nurtured throughout life. By embracing these strategies and maintaining a growth mindset, you can continue to thrive intellectually and remain a "genius" as you grow older.

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