"Many people believe only two kinds of people exist in the world- those who are creative and those who are not." (Burgess p.33)

This chapter was a long one, but for good reason. It's all about the creative process. The entire point of the chapter is to point out that it really is a process. Creativity isn't something that someone is necessarily born with or without. It also isn't something that comes in a flash of lightning or divine intervention. Burgess believes it's all about asking the right questions so that your brain begins to generate possibilities.

One of the things I especially liked about this chapter was that he didn't say it was easy. He describes the creative process as one of hard work, perseverance, and constant reflection. His lessons are outstanding because he worked to make them outstanding.

Burgess writes, "Creativity is rarely about natural brilliance or innate genius. Much more often creativity results from properly directed attention, laser-like focus, relentless effort, and hard work."

“If you haven’t failed in the classroom lately, you aren’t pushing the envelope far enough.” (Burgess p.48)

In other words, it takes grit people. It takes the same thing we expect from our students. It takes stumbling over an idea, picking yourself up, trying again, and seeking improvement. I'm a fan!