Re:Old Age and Creativity
by hippie_queen on Friday March 11, 2022 @05:59AM
(#30638481)
Your theory is reasonable and probably partially correct, but the Einstein example is quite a simplification.
I suspect the ego/arrogance thing works both ways. When you're younger you're often more willing to show the finger to existing paradigms and are perhaps arrogant enough to think you can "revolutionize physics." Naturally, most people can't do that but some make history.
(Also, I'm talking out of my ass and should probably add some history of science to my reading stack).
> Nikola Tesla and his every time crazier projects with no practical viability
I’m not sure this had to do with ego. He just seems to have enjoyed building crazy stuff.
When you're 20-30 something and a nobody in your field, but a privileged mind, you keep your eyes open to all posibilities. You are hardworking and then results come.
Then you gain a name and have all eyes on you and your mental processes change. Suddenly with your opinions, you've got a reputation to defend. You're aware of those supporting you and those who are not. You're reasoning gets blurred by your ego and personality. Once you publicly speak an opinion on a topic for enough time, you cannot simply go back without looking like a moron.
There are several instances of the most brilliant minds following this pattern. Geniuses giving their backs to the scientific method, to all evidence, and looking like amateurs.
Comes to mind Einstein, spending his last years trying to debunk quantum physics against all evidence, Linus Pauling and his C-Vitamin craze or Nikola Tesla and his every time crazier projects with no practical viability. I guess there might be more.