Unpacking the Connection Between Creativity, Curiosity, and Novelty: Insights from Lorraine Besser's Exploration of "The Interesting"

In her book, Lorraine Besser dives into the concept of the interesting and its connection to the human experience. Through her examination, she uncovers the symbiotic relationship between creativity, curiosity, and novelty, shedding light on how these elements intersect to shape what we find engaging, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

At the heart of Lorraine Besser’s work is the idea that we are driven by a desire for the interesting. But what does that really mean? The interesting, according to Besser, is not a single, fixed thing; it’s a dynamic force that shifts and evolves with our experiences. It’s the quality of something that sparks our attention, draws us in, and leaves us wanting to learn more. In many ways, the interesting is what keeps us engaged with the world, motivating us to explore and discover.

Creativity is the act of producing something novel or unique, and it plays a crucial role in the cultivation of the interesting. For Besser, creativity is not merely about artistic expression or problem-solving—it’s a process that shapes how we experience the world around us. Creative acts bring forth new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new perspectives that shake us out of our everyday routines. This is where novelty enters the picture: creativity, by its very nature, introduces something unfamiliar, something that stands apart from the ordinary.

When we encounter something creative, it piques our interest because it challenges our existing knowledge or perceptions. Whether it's a fresh take on a familiar concept or an entirely new idea, creative endeavors engage our minds in ways that make us stop and pay attention. They have the power to capture our attention, not because they’re inherently strange or difficult to understand, but because they offer us something novel—something that hasn’t been seen before.

Curiosity is the natural inclination to seek out new experiences, knowledge, and understanding. It’s the desire to know more, to uncover what lies beneath the surface, and to explore the unknown. This intrinsic motivation plays a central role in what Besser describes as the interesting. In her book, she highlights how curiosity is often the initial spark that leads us to discover things we find intriguing and engaging.

Curiosity works hand-in-hand with creativity. When we’re curious, we’re naturally inclined to seek out new ideas and experiences. We ask questions, challenge assumptions, and look for answers that expand our understanding of the world. It is through curiosity that we are drawn to the creative works of others, whether it's art, literature, or innovation. We look for something that intrigues us, something that stimulates our minds and fills us with wonder.

At the intersection of creativity and curiosity lies novelty—the element that provides the thrill of the unknown. Novelty refers to anything that is new, different, or unfamiliar, and it’s a key factor in what Besser identifies as the interesting. Novelty grabs our attention because it presents us with something outside of the ordinary. It can be a new idea, a new experience, or a new perspective. Whatever form it takes, novelty challenges us to think in new ways.

Our brains are wired to respond to novelty. When we encounter something new, our brains release dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, which makes us feel rewarded and energized. This biological response to novelty explains why we are drawn to creative works that introduce new concepts, new forms, and new experiences. The more novel something is, the more likely it is to spark our curiosity and engage our creativity.

Besser's exploration of the interesting reveals a powerful feedback loop between creativity, curiosity, and novelty. When we are exposed to something novel, it triggers our curiosity.

We want to explore further, to understand it more deeply. This curiosity drives us to seek out new experiences, which in turn fuels our creativity. As we engage with novel ideas and concepts, our creative minds generate new thoughts, new possibilities, and new ways of interpreting the world around us.

This loop creates a continuous cycle of engagement. We seek out the interesting, which is defined by novelty, creativity, and curiosity. Each of these elements drives the others, creating a dynamic relationship that keeps us constantly engaged with the world in meaningful and exciting ways. In this sense, the interesting becomes not just a passive experience, but an active process of exploration and discovery.

Besser’s insights have important implications for how we approach our daily lives. If we understand that creativity, curiosity, and novelty are the building blocks of the interesting, we can begin to shape our environments and experiences to foster these qualities. Whether it’s through pursuing creative endeavors, asking more questions, or embracing new experiences, we can actively cultivate a life filled with the interesting.

For educators, this means encouraging curiosity in students and providing opportunities for creative exploration. For employers, it may involve creating an environment where employees feel inspired to think outside the box and experiment with new ideas. And for individuals, it’s about embracing the unknown, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and allowing ourselves to be curious about the world around us.

Lorraine Besser’s exploration of the interesting is a celebration of the interconnectedness of creativity, curiosity, and novelty. Together, these elements shape our engagement with the world and define what captures our attention and sparks our imagination. By understanding and embracing this connection, we can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and excitement in our lives. As we continue to explore the unknown and create new possibilities, we fuel the cycle of curiosity and creativity that drives the interesting—and ultimately, makes life richer and more meaningful.