M=?
In defining the value of individual creative accomplishments we will invariably find ourselves struggling with various problematic elements. Value, which is inherently a subjective notion open to various interpretations, requires of us an assignment of unbiased fairness…and that does not exist. We must thus step away entirely from the notion of value and replace it with a working and relevant model that links to both our understanding and capacities. I have chosen to step away from Value and in stead refer to Functionality from now on in trying to define and identify that which has merit. I still can’t do it properly.
I don’t think anybody can.
I see this in the light of my recent studies, in which I wanted to find correlations between scores on the test (Giftedness score) and Creative Accomplishment. I first resorted to including quantity within the equation which, I now find, is a poor idea. It is not about measuring how many activities one indulges in, but how one performs within the creative system pertaining to merit, novel findings and originality in creation. The last two are of less importance relative to the first mentioned, which is merit. In regards to merit I am speaking of a lasting contribution to enhancement or enrichment of the human condition. Think Einstein’s relativity theory and James Barrie’s Peter Pan.
The grand issue of analyzing this is that merit, on a long term basis, cannot be recognized right after the act. It takes time for a creative product and/or process to manifest itself in the cultural gene pool as a significant contribution to overall human functioning. Sometimes this takes far longer than the originator’s life (Sidis) or the majority of one’s life (Nash Jr) And sometimes recognition occurs a lot faster. It must be noted that recognition ensures merit, but that quality is not always dependent on recognition. Something may be incredibly brilliant but if it finds no resonance with the rest of humanity at some point, it can not achieve enhancement or enrichment status. On the other hand, recognition does not always equal quality though it may lead to growth in some shape or form. In the end one must maintain some sense of optimism. Personally I believe that if enough people make the wrong move, eventually somebody will come along who takes the right steps.
Assigning value or functionality to creative accomplishment then, is a poor idea in its entirety. The only real test that can be put in the path of accomplishments is that of Time itself. I am neither time nor can I pretend to be…so I must step away from this idea entirely…at least for now. It is entirely possible that I will return to this particular endeavor in several years, in which sufficient time has passed to perhaps say something sensible about the merit of the reported creative accomplishments on my recent testing device.
Then again, with time tends to come wisdom so it’s probable that I will have found new objections by then.