You can involve yourself in electronics, computers, puzzles...

In the vast expanse of human creativity, there lies a deep truth that many overlook: creativity is not confined to what we traditionally deem as "artistic." The words of Gary Coleman—"You can involve yourself in electronics, computers, puzzles... there's a lot of creativity and brain working. There's a lot to model trains that people don't realize"—speak to the unseen power of innovation in unexpected places. It is easy to assume that creativity belongs only to artists, but in truth, creativity exists wherever the mind is engaged, whether it be in the construction of a model train or the building of complex machines. The true nature of creativity lies in problem-solving, in the ability to take something, transform it, and make it work in new and better ways. This is the essence of human ingenuity.

In the ancient world, the great inventors and engineers were not regarded merely as technical minds, but as visionaries who could see possibility where others saw only the ordinary. Take Archimedes, the great Greek mathematician and inventor, who, even while immersed in abstract mathematical problems, also designed machines that solved real-world problems. Archimedes used his understanding of mechanics and geometry to craft tools that had practical applications. He did not separate creativity from utility; for him, both were intertwined. Similarly, the act of building something as seemingly simple as a model train requires the mind to see the details, to understand the system, and to make it function, transforming the mundane into something meaningful.

The Renaissance thinkers, such as Leonardo da Vinci, also embodied this connection between creativity and engineering. Da Vinci’s notebooks are filled not just with art but with designs for flying machines, hydraulic systems, and mechanical devices that bridged the gap between art and science. For da Vinci, creating something as intricate as a model train would not have been mere child’s play but an expression of his brilliance. Each wheel, each turn, would have been an opportunity for him to explore and demonstrate his mastery over both theoretical and practical knowledge. What might seem like a trivial pursuit, such as crafting a model or solving a puzzle, becomes a portal through which one can unlock the same creative genius that drives the greatest innovations.

In our own time, model trains—once seen as a hobby for enthusiasts—are now recognized for the rich combination of design, engineering, and electronics they require. Like Coleman’s words suggest, there is a world of creativity in the mechanisms that run these miniature worlds. The train set is not merely about laying tracks; it is about creating a whole universe, where every piece must work in harmony with the next. Electronics, computers, and puzzles—all these activities that we sometimes dismiss as trivial—are opportunities for the mind to engage deeply with logic, structure, and imagination. Coleman’s insight asks us to recognize that true creativity is not limited to the obvious, but is found in the intricate, the detailed, and the systems we build.

Consider the example of the puzzle, that ancient exercise in problem-solving that dates back to the earliest civilizations. Chinese scholars, for example, crafted intricate puzzles and games that tested the mind and required deep understanding of pattern and logic. These puzzles were more than mere amusement; they were tools for sharpening the intellect, for honing the ability to think outside the box. Similarly, modern puzzles, whether physical like model trains or digital like computational problems, are exercises for the brain, pushing us to think in new and creative ways. The world of electronics and computers, so often dominated by logic and numbers, is no less creative than the realm of art. In fact, it is the interplay between these fields that drives the great innovations of our age.

The lesson embedded in Coleman’s words is not simply that creativity can be found in unexpected places, but that engagement with seemingly trivial things can lead to the development of deep and lasting skills. The very act of building, whether it is a model train or a computer program, is an act of creativity. It requires not only technical skill but the ability to imagine, to innovate, and to solve problems. Just as the ancient artisans created works of beauty out of humble materials, so too can we find beauty in the everyday processes of problem-solving, whether it be in our personal lives or in our professional work.

In practical terms, this means we must embrace the seemingly small and trivial activities that challenge our minds and allow us to grow. Whether it is building something with our hands, solving a puzzle, or engaging in the design of a complex system, these acts are not separate from the grand pursuits of human genius. They are integral to the process of thinking and creating. Every small challenge is an opportunity for the mind to expand, to grow in creativity and problem-solving.

Let us, then, as G-Dragon and the ancients did, recognize that creativity is not the domain of a select few but a universal force present in all human endeavors. Whether we are building model trains, solving puzzles, or creating great works of technology, we are engaging in the ancient dance of creation, where the mundane becomes meaningful, and every action is an opportunity to innovate. Through this process, we find our truest potential, one problem solved at a time.