I believe all human flourishing comes from three capacities we are all born with.
Each capacity is like a leg on a stool. If one falls, our ability to flourish collapses. We all have the potential to maximize the capacities, it’s only a matter of nurturing or losing them over time.
The three capacities are: curiosity, creativity, and connection.
These capacities on their own don’t make humans special. What makes humans special is when the three capacities are working in concert with one another. When the stool is standing.
Curiosity is direction. Curiosity pulls us toward what’s important to us. Curiosity is the engine that moves creativity and connection forward. By following our natural curiosities, we ensure we are always oriented. Without curiosity, flourishing becomes aimlessness.
Creativity is expression. Creativity inspires imagination. Creativity results in making things that express who we are. Creativity turns ideas into reality. Creativity turns insight into form. That form can be art, products, relationships, or new ways of living. Without creativity, flourishing becomes stagnation.
Connection is meaning. Connection is where curiosity and creativity stop being private pursuits and become a shared experience. Connection grounds curiosity and creativity so they don’t drift into isolation or self absorption. Without connection, flourishing becomes emptiness.
In short:
- Curiosity provides fuel for creativity and connection.
- Creativity provides expression to curiosity and connection.
- Connection provides meaning to curiosity and creativity.
The three-legged stool dictates our quality of life. We can ask ourselves at any point which leg is missing or needs to be nurtured to find out the source of our problems. Then it’s as simple as leaning into nurturing that capacity to make sure the stool stays standing.