Because Rita Levi-Montalcini underestimated difficulties in her research, she made the discovery that won her a Nobel Prize. Looking back, she generalizes:
I have become persuaded that, in scientific research, neither the degree of one’s intelligence nor the ability to carry out one’s tasks with thoroughness and precision are factors essential to personal success and fulfillment. More important for the attaining of both ends are total dedication and a tendency to underestimate difficulties, which cause one to tackle problems that other, more critical and acute persons instead opt to avoid. (Quoted in The Life of the Creative Spirit, p.189)
Her idea seems good for every branch of creative work. Think of the excellence of the Sistine Chapel’s frescoes. Think of Michelangelo. Think of the arts. Think of projects that aim to put great goodness into the world.
I couldn't agree more with Rita Levi-Montalcini's assessment. Having some knowledge of the creative process ahead and the difficulties that may arise is essential, of course. Yet, it seems that "the wisdom of the wise" often perishes because it lacks essential nourishment that can only be gained by generous helpings of imagination and faith.
Pearl S. Buck said, "The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible - and achieve it, generation after generation."
I remember working on a defunct snowmobile with a friend many years ago. We were both quite ignorant of mechanics. More experienced mechanics told us that the machine would never run again. But like typical teenagers we ignored them and went to work. In no time the machine was in good running order.
That pattern has been repeated many times in my own life with projects more important than repairing an old snowmobile. When in the middle of one of those projects, I occasionally wish I had listened to the counsel of the wise more carefully. But even when the end has not quite measured up to the vision the pursuit of good brings its own rewards that always more than compensate for any costs incurred.
Education should not enslave imagination to information!
Posted by: Aaron Kelson | October 28, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Along these same lines,quotes from Zen teacher, Shunryu Suzuki:
" In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."
". . . the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner."
Posted by: Molly Hysell | October 31, 2005 at 07:59 AM