395. Survival

In order to survive in times of war and unrest, you need to develop initiative and creativity. When things go pear-shaped, you need to be able to profit from it.

259. Being Ahead of your Time

"If someone is merely ahead of time, it will catch him up one day." - Ludwig Wittgenstein.

It is very common for creative people to be far ahead of their time and consequently, to be misunderstood.


http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/wittgenstein/

241. Controlling the Imagination.

The Imagination is a wonderful tool of the creative mind. Bear in mind that it is a servant and do not let it become your master. Always retain control over it. Be clear about the distinctions between reality and imagination and between imaginings and imagination. Imagination is always glamorous. It is the movie. Reality is never quite so pretty. Imagination allows you to be creative if it is used properly. When being creative if the mind throws up some fantastic image, do not say "This cannot be done." Rather, you should ask "How can this be done ?"

The ability to distinguish between reality and imagination is the ability to remain sane. If you cannot tell the difference, you are well on the road to madness.

Imagination is what allows you to be a great writer, poet, playwright, artist, sculptor, movie-maker or actor. Reality is the discipline to work through the obstacles to the execution of your imagined ideas. It is the persistence that keeps you at your desk even when you can think of nothing to write. It is the determination to never settle for second-best.

"Die Beste oder nichts" -Karl Benz.

179. Fantasies

Fantasies are distorted forms of vision. They are always distorted because they involve the twisting of perception into unreality. Actions that stem from such distortions are the reactions of those who "know not what they do."

Such fantasies are unhealthy and lead to self-delusion.
It is important to distinguish between unhealthy fantasy and Imagination and Creativity; these, of course, lead to a better life.