Consciousness, Comedy, and Creative Sparks

The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast

Hopefully this episode will stretch your thinking today and explore opinions you might not have thought about before.

Isla, a listener from Arbroath, Scotland has sent in this question for your co-hosts to dig in to:

“Are there limits to human creativity? Is your answer informed by your own understanding of yourselves or deeply influenced by society?”

William brings up the idea of lateral thinking. Where you think of answers that aren’t immediately obvious. As he’s a photographer, he sees there being a limit to creativity in that we are bound by technology, and in general he also feels there is a limit, as humans are a limited species. He talks about seeing creativity being present in all aspects of life, not just art. Being creative is in a way sticking your head above the parapet, and it could mean you stand out and will potentially be shot down. That’s where societal pressure comes in. William reiterates that creativity is prevalent in our whole life, not just being artistic.

William’s action is to remember we’re all creative.

Stuart feels there are limitations to human creativity because of the baggage we bring into the creative process, it can also be whether or not we’re in the mood. He feels that our creativity is influenced by both our understanding, or lack of understanding of ourselves. He doesn’t believe that the influence of society is deep, but it is there.

Stuart talks about how his creativity is massively influenced by society, because he wants to do his own thing. Neither Stuart and William have craved approval from society.

Eduard, from Altona, Germany asks the second listener question today:

“Is a sense of humour a byproduct of consciousness or something else entirely?”

William understands that a sense of humour is an evolutionary thing. It is a moment of release, it is a way of showing everything is ok. He further talks about how humour is a tribal thing. It’s an indication that everything is fine.

Stuart raises the point that to experience humour, you need to be conscious, and asks would humour still exist without humans, or is it a human construct?

Stuart’s action is to see the silliness in life helps relieve pressures. To take a step back before reacting. Take some time before reacting.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠[e-mail]

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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.

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