There is an intrinsic desire to achieve in order to be noticed, accompanied by nostalgia for not having reached the desired level. This nostalgia acts as a catalyst for creativity, as it requires intense emotions, desire and need to emerge. When these emotions deepen, especially in the form of melancholy or sadness, they create the ideal environment for creativity to flourish. This process requires a dynamic collaboration between the prefrontal cortex, which regulates functions such as planning, abstract thinking and decision-making, and the hippocampus, which evokes relevant memories and associates past experiences with the present context.
In addition, other neurobiological factors come into play. Creativity is driven by the activation of the default mode network, which is responsible for connecting ideas in a non-linear way, and by the balance between cognitive flexibility and focus. Emotions such as mild anxiety can keep the brain alert, encouraging innovation, while dopamine, released during moments of discovery or satisfaction, reinforces the reward circuit, encouraging creative flow.
When fame is achieved, the emotions that previously fueled creativity change. The sense of achievement reduces the emotional urgency that drove the creative process, and the challenges that previously required innovative solutions are no longer as pressing. The problems faced at this stage are different, often more related to management or maintaining success, and do not demand the same type of deep creative effort.
It is important to remember that human creativity evolved as a response to hardship and the need to adapt. In times of deprivation or challenge, the mind seeks new and unexpected solutions to survive or excel. When such needs are met, the creative impulse may naturally diminish, since there is no longer the same stimulus to explore new paths.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.