Learn from Einstein: Creativity and refusal to conform

Posted by Daniel Francavilla | Posted in Life | Posted on 24-09-2009-05-2008

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bicycle-albertAlbert Einstein is known as a genius. His fame is associated with the worlds of science and physics. But, Einstein wasn’t just any “scientist”, as he thought beyond traditional education. He was creative.

Studying Physics really doesn’t include a whole lot of creativity when compared to, say, English Literature or any other subject on the arts side. So clearly, Einstein was different, which we know.

The question is then, what made Einstein so creative? Perfectly worded, “It was his utter disregard of authority, his refusal to conform” writes author Andreas Kluth on his blog.

In many cases Einstein disregarded authority and ignored conventional methods. Why? Because authority bored him – not because he wanted to show-off or look good to the world (he didn’t even bother fixing his hair for award photos!). Einstein said “A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth”.

This attitude is very needed today – questioning the existing systems (economic structure, education systems, international development). We can all benefit from thinking differently.

One of my favourite quotes is from Einstein: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Why? Because “Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

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In the future, people will post what they’re having for breakfast

Posted by Daniel Francavilla | Posted in Technology, Web 2.0 | Posted on 22-09-2009-05-2008

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What were they thinking back then? Do you think they ever thought that in the future, people would tweet what they’re having for breakfast, and upload pictures of it to Facebook – and that, here it comes: other people would make comments?! Interesting graphic below, which I didn’t make (credit to whoever did, let me know!):

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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The Beatles come back to promote Rock Band

Posted by Daniel Francavilla | Posted in Technology | Posted on 13-09-2009-05-2008

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The new The Beatles: Rock Band commercial spot (presented by MTV Games and Harmonix) takes an iconic Abbey Road photograph from 1969 and brings it to life for a new generation. This is absolutely incredible graphics video editing! Whether you’re a gamer or not, watch the Beatles, who came back to life just to promote their new game, in the commercial below.

The Beatles: Rock Band Commercial Spot

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Do schools kill creativity?

Posted by Daniel Francavilla | Posted in Life | Posted on 10-09-2009-05-2008

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As a student at OCAD, the University of the Imagination, I wouldn’t think so here. But creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson says that we are “educating people out of their creativity” and explains why on many levels.

In his both funny and critical TEDTalk, Robinson makes interesting points about creating an education system that nurtures, instead of undermines, creativity. Watch the video below (or click here to see it on YouTube).

Think about this: If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you can’t come up with anything new. Because we start off as children being taught not to make mistakes, we’re essentially taught out of creativity. This is what Robinson is talking about changing.

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Fail Blog: Pictures and Videos of Fail Moments

Posted by Daniel Francavilla | Posted in Life | Posted on 07-09-2009-05-2008

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If you haven’t heard of FAIL Blog, its a blog that thousands of people submit pictures and videos of “Owned, Pwnd and Fail Moments”. Pretty much the ironic, embarrassing and ridiculous situations of life can be found there. I selected a few and added descriptions below, just to share some! What do you think?

fail owned pwned pictures
Yes, the senators are playing Solitaire on their laptops! Source: Fail Blog

fail owned pwned pictures
Is it that shocking that Walmart fails at supporting communities? Source: Fail Blog

fail owned pwned pictures
This gangsta fails, look who he has up on his wall! Source: Fail Blog
fail owned pwned pictures
Failed Photoshop job. Look at the shadows and reflections! Source: Fail Blog

fail owned pwned pictures
I wonder which drink makes people happier? Source: Fail Blog

fail owned pwned pictures
That’s what you get for using a PC! Source: Fail Blog

fail owned pwned pictures
Yes, that’s a massive snake. Source: Fail Blog

There are also some videos of situations of failing, like this clip from the Ellen show:

I rarely go on to the site, but when I do there’s always some hillarious things to find, all from real life.

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