The danger of innovation
“Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright. And it’s for all of us.” Rick Rubin, The Creative Act
Man was born to create, to innovate.
Be it the creation of a story, a presentation, a business, a strategy, we are all innovators. We make something out of nothing. The thing did not exist before we created. Innovation comes from deep work, and there is satisfaction from deep work.
But, none are immune to the hidden danger of innovation.
In the account of the Tower of Babel, man is innovating. They learned to make bricks and, using tar, they discovered that they could erect buildings more elaborately and efficiently than with stones. Remarkable innovation at the time. Imagine the new possibilities. Imagine what this discovery would now unlock.
Immediately, man begins to devise a plan to make their name great. They determined they could use their new discovery to lift themselves up. They devised a plan to make a tower that reached the sky so their name would be in lights. The excitement of the innovation moved to the desire to be glorified.
We all know the feeling of these early innovators. You create something that you feel is awesome, something that changed the game, something brand new. The result is a victory, an accomplishment, a major achievement.
But, the hidden danger lurking underneath the innovation, the victory, is self glorification.
We need others to recognize the creation. We should receive accolades. I was the one!I did it. Maybe, we desire the new position, the larger salary, the bigger job. Whatever the case, put my name in lights.
It is interesting. We create to fulfill, as deep work fulfills. But, the result of the innovation can be emptiness in the soul.
Self glory is fool’s gold, as it always fulfills in the moment but never fulfills in the long run. The earthly stuff never fulfills. Materiality never closes the gap of the soul.
The only answer is to focus on others.
One must live a life that positively impacts others to find fulfillment. There is no other way.
Create and innovate to lift others up. Purposely move to the background. Don’t put your name, your stamp on the creation, but hand it off. This is the anti-political move that fulfills the soul and unites the team.
After all, the truth is that we stand on the shoulders of others with anything that is created. We are simply another piece of the puzzle on the journey of life.
Lift another up today.
He must increase, and I must decrease.
Impact others. Live generously.
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