Critical reflection on the talk of Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
Students often send me the 17 year old link to Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" (23M views) in hopes of gaining my agreement. While Robinson's talk is witty and engaging, it doesn’t deeply investigate the relationship between education and creativity. Instead, it presents a conclusion: that education kills creativity, attempting to persuade the audience without truly questioning the premise.
At the Pop Department of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, we strived to develop a nuanced understanding of the interplay between education and creativity. When students encounter creative blocks, it’s often easier to blame the educational system than to confront internal challenges. The assumption that all students would flourish creatively if only education weren’t so rigid undermines their ability to practice honest self-reflection and critical thinking—both essential skills for any creative professional.
Robinson’s talk, though entertaining, can perpetuate a misleading and overly simplistic narrative about education and creativity. Let’s examine some of the assumptions presented.
Historical Context of Education
Education did not simply emerge in the 19th century to serve industrialization by producing scientists and factory workers. Its foundations are deeply rooted in the ideals of European humanists such as Erasmus and Comenius, who rediscovered the philosophies of Plato and Socrates. These thinkers inspired the creation of universities as spaces for dialogue, debate, and intellectual exploration.
Physical education has also been integral to this tradition. The Greek emphasis on physical fitness as part of a well-rounded education still echoes in contemporary systems—from the sports competitions between Cambridge and Oxford to athletic scholarships in the USA. However, history also warns us of the dangers of overemphasizing physical ideals.
The arts, including music, literature, and drama, have similarly played a vital role in shaping educational systems. Many families today still invest heavily in music lessons for their children as part of a respectable upbringing. In most schools, students perform songs, dances, and dramas, and their artwork decorates hallways and classrooms. However, not all children naturally gravitate toward these activities, nor do they inherently possess creative inclinations.
Intellect vs. Creativity: A False Dichotomy
One of the recurring themes in Robinson's talk is the supposed conflict between intellect and creativity. He implies that intellectuals live solely in their heads, lacking rhythm or physical expression. This assumption is not only cliché but also reductive. Intellect and creativity are not opposing forces; they are deeply interconnected.
At the Managing Your Talents symposium hosted by the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2013, it became clear that many elite athletes are also highly gifted intellectuals. Similarly, many musicians and dancers approach their craft with deeply intellectual engagement.
The real danger today isn’t education suppressing creativity; it’s the devaluation of intellectual development. Education should aim to foster critical thinking, reflection, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives.
The Myth of Innate Creativity
Many people hold onto the romantic notion that creativity is an innate, untouchable gift. They expect teachers to validate their genius without question or critique. However, true creativity often emerges from a willingness to face discomfort, embrace disagreement, and persist through challenges.
I’ve observed that many students struggle with disagreement. They often interpret it as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth. Education's role isn't to suppress creativity but to provide critical reflection and encourage students to confront their assumptions.
Moving Forward
The populist notion that intellect stifles creativity creates a false conflict that benefits no one. Education and creativity are not adversaries; they are collaborators. Intellectual exploration is essential for understanding how education can better support creativity.
Rather than dismissing education as the enemy of creativity, we must focus on fostering an environment where intellect and creativity coexist and enhance one another. True progress lies not in perpetuating antagonisms but in understanding how we can holistically nurture human potential.
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