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Life

The creative mind: special report

26 October 2005

Everyone has it, some a lot more than others. The development of humans, and possibly the universe, depends on it. Yet creativity is an elusive creature. What do we mean by it? What is going on in our brains when ideas form? Does it feel the same for artists and scientists? We asked writers and neuroscientists, pop stars and AI gurus to try to deconstruct the creative process – and learn how we can all ignite the spark within. These features are premium content.

Looking for inspiration – finding the muse

Where it’s at – creative hotspots

One culture – art’s debt to relativity

Never give up – mathematical stickability

When the music takes you

Just got to write this down – the double life of Alice Flaherty

Natural talent – nature’s profligate beauty

The complexity of the universe – Paul Davies hunts a new law

Oh look, a new cliché! – Douglas Hofstadter’s clever Cats

And how to be original – we asked the experts

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