Does Creativity even matter?

Why does it matter if we're creative? Even in the image for this post, I used AI to make the artwork of a pretty box floating in the ocean with a key unlocking it. Why not outsource every expression of our lives to the expertise of our AI tools? Well, I believe the creative process itself enlivens our internal landscape. The creative process involves some striving, some struggle, some chewing. And that process creates a more vibrant texture in our breath, our emotions, and our sense of self.

AI forces us to reach deeper for our originality. It can come up with billions of ideas in a second but it might not come up with that idea percolating in your heart right now. Does your voice matter? Well, I know I've felt alone at various times in my life. And when I hear a voice that resonates with my depth, I feel less alone. When somebody else expresses pain or suffering that reflects something in me, I trust the universe more. I used to think creativity is what makes us special. Perhaps creativity's greatest attribute is in revealing how not-special each one of us is, in un-burdening us from excessive weight of perceived exceptionalism. At the same time, perhaps contradicting myself, creativity gives light to how special it is for a sentient being to bridge what is inside them with what is outside them.

Beyond any philosophical rambling, being creative makes me joyful and proud. That, I think, is enough.