Creativity is getting new attention in todayâs Americaââalong the way revealing fault lines in U. S. culture. Surveys show people overwhelmingly seeing creativity as both a desirable trait and a work enhancement yet most say they just arenât creative. Like beauty and wealth creativity seems universally desired but insufficiently possessed. Businesses likewise see innovation as essential to productivity and growth but canât bring themselves to risk new ideas. Even as oneâs inner artist is hyped by a booming self-help industry creative education dwindles in U. S. schools. Anxious Creativity: When Imagination Fails examines this conceptual mess while focusing on how Americaâs current edginess dampens creativity in everyone. Written in an engaging and accessible style Anxious Creativity draws on current ideas in the social sciences economics and the arts. Discussion centers on the knotty problem of reconciling the expressive potential in all people with the nationâs tendency to reward only a few. Fortunately there is some good news as scientists economists and creative professionals have begun advocating new ways of sharing and collaboration. Building on these prospects the book argues that Americaâs innovation crisis demands a rethinking of individualism competition and the ways creativity is rewarded. . Language: English