Related Article: How Society Affects Creativity
As mentioned above, experiencing social rejection is one of the common causes for people to feel there is something inherently different about them ...
In a study conducted at John Hopkins University, some participants were told by the researchers that they were “not picked” to work with the group, while others were not snubbed the same way. There was no real group, the aim was just to make part of the participants feel left out and alienated. Afterward, the two groups were asked to complete a few exercises on paper.
One of them, for example, was to imagine and draw an alien from a different planet, as different as possible from our own species. The non-rejected participants drew standard cartoonish type aliens, while the rejected ones came up with ideas for creatures radically different to humans - in other words, their drawings were more creative. Overall, the outcasts performed better on all of the tasks they were given. The outcome of this experiment, then, meant there is a clear link between social rejection and the ability to think outside the box. It is not, however, a clear-cut rule of thumb, and it also depends on the degree to which the individuals already saw themselves as different or independent throughout their lives.
Another variable that can enhance creativity is being considered an outsider in your culture. People who are exposed to a new culture during their lives, in situations of immigration, for instance, develop an element of creativity called ‘integrative complexity’. Integrative complexity enhances the ability to handle uncertainty and reconcile conflicting information. People who have highly developed integrative complexity manage to see and understand an issue from multiple perspectives, like children who better understand the angle of adults.
In a famous 1950s experiment conducted by Solomon Asch, participants were asked to match a line with three other lines. They were three times more likely to give the wrong answer when other members of the groups, confederates of the researchers, all agreed on the wrong answer, too. When one participant was later asked why he gave the answer that he did, his explanation was that he did not want to seem ‘peculiar’.
This exercise can teach us a lot about the power of conformity and the courage it takes to be exposed as ‘weird’. In another variation of the experiment, one of the confederates gave the right answer, while the rest tried to convince him he was the one mistaken. The fact that there was just one person going against the tide lowered conformity levels among the responses by about 80 percent!
These findings are not only interesting and important because they shed light on how the human mind works, but they can also be a hopeful reminder in times when you feel out of your depth.
Feeling like the odd one out is sometimes a vital experience capable of triggering creativity and insight.
How to Stick to Your Goals: A Simple Science-Backed Trick
If you wish to make New Year's resolution for 2021, there is one simple tweak that is psychologically proven to help you stick to them.
15 Majestic Works of Art Made By Supremely Gifted People
The world is filled with incredibly creative people. Here, we have presented the artistic creations of a few such talents.
7 Effects Crying Has On the Body and Mind
The study of crying reveals a few interesting effects it has on our body and mind. Here are 7 ways in which crying benefits us.
Conspiracy Theories - A Few Fascinating Things to Consider
Conspiracy theories are easy to dismiss, but they are a normal and interesting part of human psychology. Learn 6 facts on conspiracy theories here.
15 Cool Modern Inventions That Will Make Your Life Easier
Take a look at some really cool and useful innovations that you probably didn't even know existed before.
This Will Change Your Perspective On Anger
Anger is an often misunderstood emotion. These facts about anger will change your views on this common emotion.
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
This Triple Spiral Domino Is Driving the Internet WILD!
Hevesh5 is a professional domino artist that is tearing the internet apart with this amazing display! I have never seen anything like this!
6 Creepy Mysteries the World Never Solved
There are some mysteries that, despite scientists’ best attempts, still remain unsolved to this day. Here are 6 such mysteries.
The Battle of Midway: Exploring a Decisive WWII Victory
In this clip from the history channel, we dive deep into the great naval fight - the Midway Battle.
Bottoms Up! 12 Surprising Facts About Beer!
Twelve fascinating facts about the ancient alcoholic drink known simply as - beer.
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
What is HAMAS? The Terror Organization Explained
What IS Hamas? What are its intentions, and how did it get started?
6 Depression-Era Criminals You Wouldn't Want to Cross!
During America's Great Depression, the rate of crimes increased drastically. Here are 6 of the most notorious Depression-Era bank robbers.
The Best Shows and Movies on Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ is full of wonderful movies and shows. Here’s a complete guide.
Was The First Famous War Photo in History Staged?
“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is the first famous war photo in history, but journalists started questioning its genuineness. Was this famous photo staged?
25 Photos That Capture Profound Historic Moments
We can see a whole century of monumental events go by in these photos...
5 Unexplained UFO Encounters That Puzzled Experts
We may not believe in UFOs, but throughout history there have been some rather strange UFO-like encounters that defy logic.
These Maps Are Guaranteed to Teach You About the USA
The USA becomes all the more fascinating when you collate a ton of different maps containing insightful demographic data. Take a look at this map compilation.
When Deaf People Hear for the Very First Time...
In this wonderful video, we will see the miracle of hearing given to several people who have been deaf.
Send An Affectionate Kiss to Someone You Love Today
To someone you love, a kiss can say a whole lot, and that's why we've put this adorable collection together for you. Share your affection with them today.
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
These Collections Are Certainly On the More Unusual Side..
These collections are larger and a little more unusual than a run-of-the-mill stamp collection. Take a look.
13 People Who Proved that Age is Nothing But a Number
If you think that celebrating your golden jubilee means you're past your prime, then these 13 people have something to teach you...
Life in Japan is so Interesting! Want to Know About It?
Japan has a number of cultural differences. Here are 15 intriguing facts about this countries.
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
Can The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Ever be Cracked?
This is the world's most mysterious book, written by an unknown author in a singular alphabet and illustrated with puzzling images. What is its secret?
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
Love is Beautifully Captured in These Historic Photos...
While much has changed over the last century, there is one thing that has always remained the same, and that is love. Take a look at this photo collection.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
These 18 Bold Predictions Were Actually Proven to Be False
Some of the great and good of science, industry and entertainment made bold predictions in the past that proved to be completely false. Take a look.
8 Essential Greek Philosophy Books You Shouldn't Miss
Here is your best chance for understanding Greek philosophy and its history.
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
This Has to be the Most Graceful Dance Performance Ever!
A breathtaking and beautiful performance by Cheetah Platt and Erica Linz on the gound and in the air.
Pivotal Historical Scenes Frozen in the Frame of a Moment
A collection of rare historical moments you probably won't find in textbooks.
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
7 Life Lessons Taught by Winston Churchill
To inspire others, we have compiled 7 lessons he taught us through his life's work and life.
Through the Lens of Time: 20 Rare Historical Photos
These amazing historical photos shed light on some rarely-seen events of the past.
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
Looking Back at the CRAZIEST World Records of 2022
2022’s Guinness World Records will make you wonder if they are for real.