My access to information is staggering. It’s almost smothering. With the click of a button or a simple voice command, I can instantly tap into the collective knowledge of humanity. From ancient history to cutting-edge scientific research, from classic literature to the latest viral memes, the wealth of human knowledge is quite literally at my fingertips.
But while this abundance of information has undoubtedly transformed the way I work and live in countless positive ways, it also presents a unique challenge for me and those like me who are trying, bleeding and sacrificing to create something new and original. In a world where everything has already been said, done, and remixed a thousand times over, how can any of us hope to contribute anything of value?
The answer, I believe, lies in embracing the very abundance that seems to stand in our way. Rather than seeing the vast sea of existing information as a barrier to creativity, my aim is to learn to view it as an endless source of inspiration and raw material from which to craft something new.
I'm drawn to the idea that the key to creating in the age of information abundance is to become a skilled curator. With so much content available, the ability to sift through the noise and identify the most relevant, compelling, and thought-provoking ideas becomes invaluable. This requires developing a keen eye for quality, a deep understanding of a chosen field or medium, and a willingness to venture off the beaten path in search of hidden gems. By carefully selecting and combining the best elements from a wide range of sources, my hope is that I can create something that feels fresh and original, even if its individual components are familiar.
My bull case as a creator - no matter how well-trodden a particular topic or genre may seem, there is always room for a new point of view. By drawing on my own experiences, insights, and creative vision, I can make a damned good faith attempt to take even the most familiar material and make it my own. This might mean putting a personal spin on a classic story, exploring a well-known issue from an unconventional angle, or combining elements from disparate fields in a way that might be uncomfortable, or even discordant. The end-goal is to trust in the value of my own perspective and have the courage to share it with the world.
Creating in the age of information abundance means a willingness to embrace the remixing and recontextualising of existing ideas. When everything is connected and easily accessible, it's impossible to cut something entirely new from whole cloth. Instead, the most innovative and impactful works - both in recent memory and in the days to come - emerge from the creative recombination of existing elements in novel ways. By drawing unexpected connections, juxtaposing seemingly unrelated concepts, and repurposing old ideas for new contexts, anyone who has the care, the dedication and the passion can generate an endless stream of fresh and exciting possibilities.
With so much content available, it can be easy to fall into the trap of endless consumption without ever actually creating anything of your own. The constant stream of new information can be overwhelming and paralysing, leading to a sense of creative burnout or the feeling that everything worth saying has already been said. And when attention spans are short and the competition for eyeballs is fierce, it can be tempting to prioritise quick hits and surface-level engagement over deep, meaningful work.
Creating in the age of information abundance doesn't mean simply regurgitating or rehashing what has come before. While it's true that everything has been done before on some level, that doesn't mean there isn't still plenty of room for originality and innovation. And, perhaps, a challenge to use the vast wealth of available information as a launchpad for our own creativity, rather than a safety-wheel or a substitute for it. By deeply engaging with and building on the ideas of others, we can push the boundaries of what is possible and contribute something truly new and valuable to the world.
I have yet to overcome these challenges. But I'm trying to cultivate a strong sense of creative discipline and focus. This means setting clear goals and boundaries around my consumption of information, and making a conscious effort to balance input with output. It means being willing to tune out the noise and distractions of the online world when necessary, and carving out dedicated time and space for deep work and reflection. And it means having the patience and persistence to stick with an idea or project even when the initial excitement wears off and the real work begins. None of which I'm particularly good at. Not yet, at any rate.
Perhaps, in the final note, creating in the age of information abundance is a process. Embracing the complexities and contradictions of our current moment, and recognising that while we may be standing on the shoulders of giants, it doesn't diminish our power to see further and reach higher than ever before. Finding the courage to put our own unique spin on the ideas and traditions that have come before us, while remaining open to the endless possibilities for creative recombination and cross-pollination. And using the tools and resources at our disposal to create work that is not only novel and original, but also deeply meaningful and impactful.
This is all easier said than done. Creating something truly original and valuable has always been a challenge, and the age of information abundance has only made it more so. But I believe that for those who are willing to embrace the complexity and richness of our current moment, the rewards are more than worth the effort.
To all the creators out there grappling with the challenges and opportunities of our current moment, I want to say this: Embrace the abundance. Dive deep into the vast sea of information and inspiration that surrounds us, but don't let yourself get lost in it. Use it as a springboard for your own creativity, but don't be afraid to add your own unique flavor and perspective. Stay focused and disciplined in your work, but remain open to the unexpected connections and insights that emerge along the way.
And above all, keep creating. Because in a world of information abundance, the true scarcity lies in the original, the innovative, and the truly meaningful. And that is something that only you can provide.
