Insight

I just read this fantastic article in The New Yorker (Jul, 28th, 2008 Issue) called "The Eureka Hunt". Unfortunately, this article is not available online, though you can read an abstract here.
It talks about where insight comes from, or as the subtitle says, "why do good ideas come to us when they do?" I'm always fascinated by articles like this which delve into the great mystery and science of how our brains work.
Have you ever thought about how you solve problems? Do you use a methodical process to come to an answer/solution, or do you find that often insight will come at an unexpected moment?
For me it is some combination of the two. I've thought for some time that creativity is the result of learning the rules and the tools, if you will, and then forgetting them in some way, letting things combine to form something surprising and new. I suppose it is difficult to put into words.

Comments

[berryberr]

Nice blog! I'll be checking back often!

[Liason]

thanks! great to have you here.

[design for mankind.]

WOW. Interesting article, and I lOOOOVE your piece! :)

[Liason]

thanks Erin!