The Dynamics of Creation

About this book

What drives the artist to create masterpieces and the scientist to forge breakthrough theories? This is the fundamental question that British psychiatrist Anthony Storr sets out to answer in The Dynamics of Creation. Storr begins by debunking the popular notion that creative people are necessarily motivated by neurosis. Although creativity can spring from a desire for power wealth prestige or sexual conquest at its deepest level it is an integrative impulse that both nourishes and consoles the human soul. In probing the origins and the consequences of creativity Storr paints brief stunningly insightful portraits of an astonishing range of gifted individuals including Leonardo da Vinci Darwin Mozart Einstein Kafka Newton Balzac and Wagner. A brilliant synthesis of psychology biography cultural analysis and artistic appreciation. "Rich and rewarding . . . Full of wise and humane understanding." The Economist