But if you think you aren't creative that's cool, too. I think

In the words of Joel Hodgson, we are introduced to a deeply thoughtful and refreshing perspective on creativity. His sentiment—that it's perfectly acceptable to not identify as creative—invites us to embrace the idea that creativity is not the sole measure of a person’s worth or value. Creativity, often held up as the epitome of genius and innovation, is but one of many qualities that shape the human experience. Hodgson goes further, suggesting that being around those who are not necessarily creative can, in fact, be refreshing and nice. There is a balance between the visionary and the grounded, the dreamer and the pragmatist, and Hodgson's words speak to the value of both, recognizing that the absence of creativity in some does not diminish their worth but enhances our understanding of the world.

The ancients, too, understood the balance between creativity and practical action. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle wrote of the "Golden Mean"—the idea that virtue lies in balance, avoiding extremes. In the context of creativity, this means understanding that while some are called to create and push the boundaries of human thought and expression, others are equally important for their ability to ground society and help manifest the ideas and dreams that creative individuals bring into the world. Aristotle would have seen value in both the artist and the laborer, the philosopher and the farmer, understanding that society cannot thrive on creativity alone but must be balanced by practical contributions.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, often regarded as the archetype of the creative genius. His work, spanning fields from art to engineering, was revolutionary. Yet, Da Vinci's creative genius did not come in a vacuum. It was nurtured by his relationships with those who were more grounded in practical work. His patrons, architects, and engineers helped turn his visions into reality, demonstrating that creativity needs structure, organization, and the steady hands of those who may not possess artistic brilliance but contribute to the manifestation of a vision. In this way, Da Vinci’s brilliance was both complemented and realized by those who were less "creative" but equally important to his success.

This notion of balance can also be seen in the ancient art of gardening, particularly in the Zen gardens of Japan. These gardens, known for their minimalist design and intentional lack of excessive decoration, reflect the harmony between creativity and simplicity. The gardener, often not regarded as "creative" in the traditional sense, carefully arranges rocks, sand, and plants in ways that invite meditation, contemplation, and stillness. Here, creativity is not about artistic flair, but about creating an environment that fosters peace and clarity. The lesson, then, is that creativity comes in many forms and is not limited to the grandiose or the overtly artistic.

In a world where creativity is often exalted as the highest form of human expression, it is essential to remember that simplicity and stability hold immense value. Hodgson's sentiment echoes this wisdom—sometimes it is refreshing and valuable to be surrounded by individuals who are not focused on creating but on being. Their grounded nature offers a kind of stability that complements the work of those who push the boundaries of what is possible. Just as Socrates valued dialogue with those who might not have philosophical inclinations, he understood that the simple, grounded perspectives of others could sharpen one's own thinking and provide clarity.

The lesson here is that every role in society—whether creative or practical—has value. In our pursuit of creativity or innovation, we must not overlook the importance of those who may not be visionaries but are essential to the functioning and balance of the world around us. Just as the ancients understood the need for both philosophers and farmers, artists and laborers, we must embrace the diversity of contributions that shape a well-rounded and thriving society. Creativity is a gift, but so is the ability to provide steadiness and practicality, grounding the dreams of the visionary in the real world.

In practical terms, we can apply this wisdom by celebrating all forms of contribution, recognizing that creativity is not the only path to fulfillment. It is equally important to acknowledge the value of those who bring stability, practicality, and balance to our lives. Whether we are artists, builders, thinkers, or doers, we all contribute to the greater whole. So, let us embrace the diverse qualities that we each bring to the world, understanding that it is the balance between these qualities that leads to the flourishing of both individuals and societies.