The Programmers’ Stone – Neuroscience
the-programmers-stone.com
the-programmers-stone.com
In "Why No-One’s Noticed This Before"[1] the author makes a distinction of `self-consistents` and `confabulators`. I've found this very similar to Robert Pirsig's `classical thinkers` vs `romantics`[2]. It is unfortunate that ZAMM devolves into rationalizing irrational behaviour and ends with a shrug after having raised the reader's expectations. I haven't read all of the material here yet, but so far it all makes sense.
1: http://the-programmers-stone.com/about/why-no-one%E2%80%99s-...
2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_M...
It's well-explained in this good (and funny!) talk by John Cleese, with some practical tips on how to create an environment to foster creativity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmY4-RMB0YY
I definitely recommend watching it.
I see the similarities but I think if you read the whole thing (I've finished it now) you will find out some differences as well.
I vaguely remember John Cleese talks about innovation/creativity and says something along the lines; writer's block, you just shut up, sit down and be creative. Not exactly with these words of course. Philosopher's Stone is pretty much all about stress. And actually it says `shut up, sit down and be creative` approach would backfire because it would produce stress which is counter-productive for this mode of thinking.
I like the phrase Rich Hickey uses in relation to software design; hammock time. It is open mode, but it also implies peace of mind and a lack of pressure to be creative.