The best way to get round a difficult problem? Do nothing about it
From Agatha Christie doing the dishes to the cancer surgeon inspired at the theatre, an idling brain suddenly seems able to join the dots
TL;DR
- Engaging in low-demand, non-work activities can free the mind for creative problem-solving.
- Michael Baum's insight into cancer growth came from a play, leading to chemotherapy innovations.
- Agatha Christie developed murder mystery plots while washing dishes, finding mechanical tasks aided idea flow.
- The trick is to disengage the conscious mind, allowing the subconscious to work on problems.
- Governments and workplaces could benefit from structured breaks for reflection and original thinking.
- Increased work intensity leaves little time for the free-floating thought necessary for innovation.
- AI taking over routine tasks could free up human time for creative thinking and training, if employers choose to allocate it.
- Google's 20% rule for programmers is an example of encouraging side-project time for innovation.