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Articles

The Creative Ego

From the June 1976 issue of The Christian Science Journal


Many people would like to bring out originality and freshness of thought in their daily activities. The opportuities for creative expression are not confined to the arts and sciences but can be found in even the most humble task. A fundamental question to consider is, What is the source of originality? Is a limited, error-prone personal ego really the producer of creative thoughts? Or do these point to a higher basis of intelligence, the divine Ego or infinite Mind, which is all-knowing and does not make mistakes?

The Bible contains many proofs that individuals who rely on the one God for inspiration can achieve creative expression and understanding exceeding expectations based on material premises alone. However, despite this evidence, the human ego insists on itself as a source of creativity equal to or better than the divine Mind. Take the example of Nebuchadnezzar. This powerful Asian ruler of biblical times had great pride in the accomplishments of his reign. Viewing these works, he said, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" Dan. 4:30; Mrs. Eddy evaluates this mode of self-centered thought that continually declares "I did it." She observes: "Mortals are egotists. They believe themselves to be independent workers, personal authors, and even privileged originators of something which Deity would not or could not create." Science and Health, p. 263;

Assume for a moment that the boastful claim of the human, mortal mind to being an independent creator is correct. Wouldn't this belief necessarily include suggestions of limitation, ignorance, and fear? There is always something mortal mind does not know, cannot understand, is mistaken about, or can be made to forget. Mortal mind is habitually afraid it will wear out or be overworked. It would violate the law of Truth if the origin of delusion, error, and changeable beliefs were also the origin of reality, Mind's ideas, and permanent good.

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