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Asimov on creativity and making unexpected connections

In 1959, Isaac Asimov wrote an essay: How do people get new ideas? It’s all about making unexpected connections.

Asimov believed creativity thrives in isolation, where your mind can freely shuffle through ideas without judgment. But group discussions still matter - not for instant breakthroughs, but for sharing knowledge that might spark something later.

He also stressed the importance of relaxed environments. Creativity needs freedom, not pressure or deadlines. From my experience, my best ideas often come when I'm just curious, not when I'm trying too hard.

His advice remains: stay curious, dare to think differently, and give yourself space to let ideas grow.

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