There is no question that creative intelligence comes not through learning things you find in books or histories that have already been written, but by focusing on and giving value to experience as it happens.

Antony Gormley’s quote explores the idea that creative intelligence is not something that can be solely gained from books or the study of past history. While traditional learning plays an important role in acquiring knowledge, Gormley emphasizes that true creativity emerges from experience—specifically from engaging with the present moment and learning from it directly. He suggests that creative intelligence is about being fully immersed in the now and allowing new experiences to shape your thinking, rather than relying only on pre-existing knowledge.

The quote also challenges the conventional notion that creativity is primarily an intellectual pursuit. Instead, Gormley stresses the value of living in the moment and drawing inspiration from what unfolds around you. It’s about being open to the flow of life and using those immediate experiences as fuel for creativity. This aligns with the idea that true artistic expression or innovation often comes from responding to life as it happens, rather than simply interpreting what has already been written or established.

By stating that creative intelligence comes from “focusing on and giving value to experience as it happens,” Gormley underscores the importance of awareness and engagement. Creativity is not passive; it requires active participation in the world. The process of paying attention to our interactions, emotions, and surroundings allows for a deeper understanding of how to approach problems, ideas, and artistic endeavors. It’s about seeing potential in the present and using it to create something new and original.

Ultimately, Gormley’s quote calls for a shift in how we think about creativity. Rather than viewing it as something that is learned or inherited from the past, he encourages us to see it as a dynamic process that is born from living and experiencing life firsthand. By valuing experience and the insights it brings, we can tap into a wellspring of creative intelligence that goes beyond conventional learning.