Why It Is Imperative That We Create | Jack Rizzo | TEDxWilliam&Mary

Key Concepts

• Creation as a fundamental human need and a source of fulfillment.
• The dangers of excessive consumption and its impact on well-being.
• Three categories of creation: what we do, who we love, and what we love to do.
• The importance of integrating these categories to achieve the "trinity of human flourishing."
• The call to create without judgment and to find ways to do what we love with the people we love.

The Importance of Creation

The speaker opens by sharing a poem he wrote at age 8 about Legos, highlighting the significance of creation even in childhood. He argues that creation is not just a pastime but a fundamental human need that sustains the soul.

• Creation vs. Consumption: The speaker contrasts creation with consumption, arguing that the proliferation of digital media has led to an overemphasis on consumption, diluting our ability to discern between consumption for rest and consumption for consumption's sake.
• Benefits of Creation: He cites top scholars and the World Health Organization, stating that creation leads to increased neuroplasticity and reduced anxiety and depression.
• Creation and the Divine: The speaker posits that creation ties us to the divine, noting that the first actions of God or supreme beings across all theologies is that they create.

Three Categories of Creation

The speaker identifies three primary categories in which our creations can manifest:

1. What We Do

This category refers to creating value from our resources, primarily through our work.

• The Tragedy of Compartmentalization: The speaker laments that modern life has segregated creation into one box and what we do into another, leading to a sense of disconnect and lack of impact for many. He cites that one in five Americans feel they make no impact through their work.
• Example: The Road Worker: He shares an example of a road worker who, despite having a seemingly menial task, creates positivity through his attitude and interactions, fostering positivity for himself and those around him.

2. Who We Love

This category emphasizes the importance of relationships and the active role we play in creating and facilitating them.

• The Love of Strangers (Filinia): The speaker discusses the concept of "Filinia," the love of strangers, and how conversations and connections, even fleeting ones, bring us closer to each other and make the world a smaller place.
• Example: The Intern: He shares an anecdote about an internship where he connected his boss with people in his network, highlighting the power of maintaining and creating relationships.

3. What We Love to Do

This category focuses on our passions and hobbies, which tie us closer to each other and a better understanding of our preferences.

• Example: Marble Racing: The speaker recounts an hour-long conversation with someone passionate about marble racing, illustrating how passions can reveal the love and nuance in everyday things.
• Personal Example: Music: He shares his love for music and how creating his two bands on campus allowed him to create experiences for both the audience and himself, resulting in cherished memories.

The Trinity of Human Flourishing

The speaker introduces the concept of the "trinity of human flourishing," which is achieved when what we do, who we love, and what we love to do are in union with each other.

• Examples: Thrift Store and Bands: He uses his own experiences with his thrift store and bands as examples. The thrift store reflects his passions for thrifting, sustainability, and affordability while facilitating relationships, and he gains monetary value. Similarly, with his bands, he loves music, plays with people he cares about, and gets paid to do so.
• Definition: This union provides material and spiritual wealth while providing others with an experience or a service that facilitates relationships for both parties.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by urging the audience to ruthlessly create and to not cast judgments upon what they make. He leaves the audience with a question: "How can we do what we love with the people we love?" and emphasizes that if the answer does not exist, it is imperative to create it.