Think of freedom of speech as a living organism. Then think of what is required for it to survive. Coming to mind are a population agreeable to its constitution (its environment) and the institutions (its nutrients) that keep it healthy. Currently, many institutions, including some political parties, question unfettered freedom of speech and are working to deny it, claiming it is unhealthy for the body politic. Yes? No?
1 . Introduction Ok. You believe that creativity is the domain of the genius or really smart folks. This is not so. Everyone can be creative if only they are allowed to try and then to become. We claim that creativity can be learned. It’s a skill, but it takes practice. First, we begin with small ideas, such as variations on things we know well, and turn them into something new. It requires some internal thinking, along with an understanding of realistic ideas about what might be better or easier to do or use. It must be something within your vision. Abstract thinking is another matter altogether to be discussed later. All require steady thought, usually manipulating ideas you already know into something new. That this is so, that creativity can be learned and developed through practice rather than being merely an innate gift/talent, finds support in psychology, cognitive science, education, and the history of innovation. We offer a strong argument. In §6,...