Look around, and you will see hundreds of objects that are a result of curiosity, intelligence, perseverance, ingenuity, dint of effort -and often plain luck- come together in something that makes our life easier, better, convenient (and occasionally uplifting). Inspiration is found in many places, and not all inspiration results in an “end product” that is lasting or useful. Some inspiration results in outcomes that are simply a joy, like a beautiful melody, a haunting poem or a mesmerizing painting. While the latter is often attributed to the (near mythical) effect of a captivating muse, the mechanics of inspiration has fascinated many, from academics to entrepreneurs.

Would it not be convenient if inspiration was available on demand ? What if there was  a magic method available by which one could guarantee to summon up the creative juices or light up the scientific brain cells  ?

I will posit that, in the final analysis, all inspiration comes from within.

True, people inspire us, life compels us, circumstances scare us (which is a form of inspiration after all), and very often, we are motivated to do something simply because it is the “right” thing to do. But if inspiration is not from within, the great idea or powerful concept will often remain nothing more than that. The Nike slogan makes it sound very simple: just do it. However, as anyone who has tried to go on a diet or an exercise regimen knows, slogans don’t take you very far if your heart is not into it.

Einstein has been famously quoted as saying “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”. Not all of us can (or may even want to) be geniuses (genii ??). But we can all aspire to live an inspired life. Find that spark, ignite your mind…as 007 says: you only live twice … make the second time count!  🙂