Connecting the Threads

Abstract

In this volume, we have covered the core components of transdisciplinary thinking to bring us to a greater understanding of how it functions as a structure of thinking for creativity. We position it as an imperative for the twenty-first century, and contextualize it in examples of transdisciplinary creativity, as implemented for in-service teachers in working with technologies. Yet at the same time it must be clear that while we discuss this construct of transdisciplinarity as being key for twenty-first century thinking and learning, it is also a way of thinking, working, and acting in the world that creative minds have emphasized historically for a long time. Our historical examples shared here describe a range of exemplars of creative thinking across disciplines time periods and contexts, from Pablo Picasso to Elon Musk, from Alexander Fleming to Temple Grandin, from Albert Einstein to DJ Danger Mouse, and many others.

The creative person wants to be a know-it-all. He wants to know about all kinds of things ancient history, nineteenth century mathematics, current manufacturing techniques, hog futures. Because he never knows when these ideas might come together to form a new idea. It may happen six minutes later, or six months, or six years. But he has faith that it will happen.

—Carl Ally.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

—Albert Einstein.

The key question isn’t “What fosters creativity?” But it is why in God’s name isn’teveryone creative? Where was the human potential lost? How was it crippled? I think therefore a good question might be not why do people create? But why do people not create or innovate? We have got to abandon that sense of amazement in the face of creativity, as if it were a miracle if anybody created anything.

—Abraham Maslow.