Why Creativity Still Belongs to Us

What AI will never have that we do.

My scent collage from a smell walk.

I’ll start by saying that I’m hopeful.

Dare I say maybe even a little optimistic.

Why?

Because I don’t think Artificial Intelligence (AI) can kill the human spirit.

That is to say, if we don’t let it.

Let me explain.

Maybe you’ve heard some of the doomsday stories circling the internet these days: AI will cause global collapse, destroy jobs, and launch us into a 15-year dystopia, is affecting our mental health, our mental sharpness (more on that in a future post), and is diminishing human creativity.

Let’s talk about that last point.

The other day I came across an interview with The Creative Act author Rick Ruben, where he reminded me of a few truths:

AI doesn’t have a point of view.
If you ask 5 different AI systems the same question, you’ll get mostly the same answer.

Humans do have a perspective.
If you give the same script to 5 different directors, you’ll get 5 very different movies.
Heck, if you have 5 different people smell the same thing, you’ll probably get 5 different responses!

“That’s how art works - it’s the point of view of the creator.”

Art isn’t about data - it’s about a perspective.
AI may know everything, but it feels nothing.
AI can replicate knowledge, but not vision.

Creativity is subjective. That’s why it matters.

As human beings we are all born creative. Everyone is a creator. It’s our birthright.

Just by being, we’re creators because we’re constantly using our senses to perceive the world around us.

As Ruben says, “Whether or not we’re formally making art, we are all living as artists. We perceive, filter, and collect data, then curate an experience for ourselves and others based on this information set. Whether we do this consciously or unconsciously, by the mere fact of being alive, we are active participants in the ongoing process of creation.”

So, my friends, let us revel in our unique ability to create.

Let us pay attention.

Let us take in the world around us, make connections, reflect on previous experiences, and share stories of what we discover with others.

AI can’t do that.

Only we have a point of view.

We are the creators.

So, go forth and SMELL EVERYTHING and then share what you find with others!

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This week on my podcast An Aromatic Life:

Attention all Virgos signs! It’s your season and I’ve got an episode just for you.

In this bonus episode, I revisit a conversation with astrologer Karima from the Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia from last December which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics.

Here the focus is on the Virgo sign (Aug 23 - Sept 22), which is part of the Earth element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Virgo, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting.

Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Virgo friends out there!

Next month we focus on Libra. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

You can listen to this episode and many more on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. And thanks for rating the podcast if you can so it helps others find it too.