If you have always wondered if creativity is a conscious choice or not, you’re in the right place. Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Josh Adler has on occasion spoken about whether the spark of creativity originates from a conscious decision. Renowned neuroscientist and primatologist Robert Sapolsky has also independently addressed the question of whether creativity is simply biology. Is it a result of a choice we make, or is it just an outcome of our biological machinery and environmental programming? Read on to find out Josh Adler’s philosophical reflections and Robert Sapolsky’s scientific perspective on this complex subject.
Undoubtedly, when a big technological breakthrough happens, a groundbreaking solution is discovered, or a completely new prototype is built, it feels like the discovery was a result of an individual making a deliberate choice. It appears, at least on the surface, as if it was the result of a conscious decision made by a person to act, to invent, and to create something new out of thin air. We congratulate the person for using their intelligence and will power to create something that did not exist before. Typically, we attribute the success of the innovation and creativity to the innovator and his conscious decisions.
However, entrepreneur Josh Adler poses the question: “But what if this isn’t the case? What if humans don’t have the free will to really innovate?” He suggests that this feeling of making a choice might just be our brain’s way of rationalizing an outcome that was already pre-determined. In many of his writings, philanthropist Josh Adler connects creativity with the broader purpose behind his global initiatives. Josh Adler philanthropic initiatives show that his worldview shapes his efforts to create positive change.
The Illusion of Free Will: Scientific Point Of View Against Free Will
Neuroscientist and primatologist Robert Sapolsky is one of the biggest proponents of the concept that free will is simply an illusion. In his thought-provoking book Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, he writes that humans are all simply incredibly complex biological machines.
According to Sapolsky’s book, our thoughts, emotions, and behavior, including the act of creativity, is simply the sum of all our experiences. He asserts that our behavior is just the total of our genetic predispositions, our childhood experiences, and our cultural inputs established over our lifetimes.
In Sapolsky’s view, our brain is a highly complex machine. And yet, we still cling on to the notion that fundamentally innovation depends on our conscious choice and that creativity is a voluntary decision.
Sapolsky’s research states that humans often feel like they’re the ones making conscious decisions, but according to him, science suggests that the decisions were already in motion long before we even had an inkling of them.
The Illusion of Free Will: So, Is Free Will Real?
Josh Adler, a keen observer of the creative process in business and technology, approaches the notion of determinism with amazement and positivity. He believes: “Every ‘aha’ moment is just the universe organizing itself through us. We’re not making any choices. We are simply noticing the pattern right before it becomes obvious. So the person who comes up with the innovation, is simply the first person to make the observation.” This perspective shifts the person’s role from that of a creator to that of a highly sensitive and well-tuned observer.
This interest in the mechanics of human cognition also underlies his work promoting understanding of diverse neurological patterns. For example, Josh Adler’s ADHD advocacy and his neurodiversity awareness efforts highlight the unique cognitive styles that lead to innovation. Josh’s focus includes spreading ADHD awareness to help foster supportive environments.
Robert Sapolsky’s book Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will states that the brain is just a machine running on inherited biology and environmental feedback. According to the book, the feeling of choice is simply an afterimage of decisions made unconsciously seconds earlier.
The Illusion of Free Will: Choice Is Just A Narrative Constructed After The Decision Has Been Made
Sapolsky uses evidence from neuroscience to demonstrate that the conscious feeling of making a choice is often just a narrative constructed by the brain moments after the decision has already been made. Thus, as per Sapolsky, free will is just an illusion.
Adler has previously expressed the view that: “If everything is deterministic. Then creativity is just the system exploring its own limits. You can’t step outside the causality, but you can surf it. You can use this knowledge to your advantage. And isn’t that just so liberating! I certainly think so.” The entrepreneur suggests that accepting the concept of determinism frees us from the pressure of forcing creativity. Moreover, it helps us to focus our brains on successfully performing its natural function of recognizing patterns and innovating. Josh Adler’s reflections on creativity also mirror the broader global social impact efforts seen in his philanthropic work. A PRWeb feature on Project Hyperaware Kenya also highlights Josh Adler - a tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, for his efforts to train 1,500 teachers and support over 4 million students.
The Illusion of Free Will: Then, Where Does The Idea Really Come From?
However, if creativity is not a conscious choice, then how does one explain the moments of profound inspiration? Where does the idea really come from?
According to Adler, every single creative process always contains a moment of complete surrender. This is the state of real innovation. “Real inspired creativity happens in the pause between control and collapse,” he says. “You do not have to design the moment, all you have to do is to clear space for it. That’s why you get some of your best ideas when you’re in the shower, listening to your favorite music or simply relaxing surrounded by serene natural surroundings. I know I do!”
Sapolsky’s book claims that the brain’s default-mode network fires most during the periods of relaxation, daydreaming, or even boredom. In these states, the self quiets, the machine hums, and new configurations arise. He notes that this is the moment when people are at their creative best. That’s when individuals come up with their most innovative ideas.
The Illusion of Free Will: The Illusion That Keeps Humans Motivated
In the end, the illusion of free will is permanent, but it’s not really pointless. The feeling of choice is necessary for us to push our own boundaries. This illusion of agency, even if scientifically inaccurate, keeps us engaged and motivated, fueling our creativity. “Belief in choice,” Josh Adler concludes, “is the framework that lets us build at all. Maybe it’s fake, but it’s the only illusion that creates progress and that’s very empowering, isn’t it?” As a philanthropist, Josh Adler often speaks about how acknowledging the complexities of human consciousness is key to his humanitarian work.
This article was written in cooperation with Tom White