How to Think Outside the Box (SHUHARI)

Summary

In this video, the concept of 'thinking outside the box' is explored through the lens of the Japanese creative framework, Shuhari. It presents a three-step process: Shu (Obey), where you learn and master the fundamentals; Ha (Break), where you experiment and push boundaries; and Ri (Depart), where you innovate and create your own path. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the core principles before attempting to break away, highlighting the balance between creativity and structure. This methodical approach helps remove the vagueness from creativity and provides a clear path to mastery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The phrase 'thinking outside the box' is often used but lacks clarity on how to actually do it.
• 😀 The concept of 'thinking outside the box' is deeply explored in the context of an ancient Japanese creative framework called Shuhari.
• 😀 Shuhari is a three-step framework for mastering creativity, consisting of Shu (obey), Ha (break), and Ri (depart).
• 😀 Step 1: Shu – Obey the teachings of a Sensei to build a strong foundation by following basic principles without questioning.
• 😀 Step 2: Ha – Break the rules taught by the Sensei, experiment with new ideas, and explore other frameworks to find what works for you.
• 😀 Step 3: Ri – Depart from the original teachings, creating your own approach, and innovating beyond the framework.
• 😀 Picasso’s evolution through realistic, blue, rose, and African periods demonstrates how an artist can break boundaries while building on foundational principles.
• 😀 After reaching Ri, it’s crucial to not forget the core principles of the original framework, to maintain depth in creativity.
• 😀 In Japanese, creativity based on understanding the original framework is called 'Yū,' while creativity that ignores it is called 'Katana,' meaning formless.
• 😀 Mastery of creativity, according to the Japanese mindset, requires an understanding of the box (the framework) before thinking outside of it.
• 😀 Shuhari can be applied not just to creativity, but to learning in general, helping to break down complexity and build a deeper understanding of the world.

Q & A

What is the significance of the phrase 'thinking outside the box' in the context of creativity?

The phrase 'thinking outside the box' is often considered a cliché, and the script challenges its usefulness by questioning what the 'box' actually is. It encourages a deeper understanding of creativity by suggesting that one must first know the boundaries (the 'box') before attempting to push beyond them.

What does the Japanese concept of 'shuhari' offer in terms of mastering creativity?

'Shuhari' is an ancient Japanese framework for mastering a creative process. It emphasizes three stages: 'Shu' (obey), 'Ha' (break), and 'Ri' (depart). This framework helps individuals develop a solid foundation in their field, experiment and innovate within it, and ultimately create their own unique approach.

What does the 'Shu' stage involve in the creative process?

The 'Shu' stage is about obedience to the fundamentals of the craft. It suggests learning the basic principles from a mentor ('Sensei') without questioning or deviating from the established rules, providing the learner with a strong foundation.

How does the 'Ha' stage build upon the 'Shu' stage?

The 'Ha' stage is where the learner begins to experiment and break the rules they learned in the 'Shu' stage. It is a period of exploration and innovation, where the individual tests boundaries and incorporates different frameworks, all while building upon the foundational knowledge.

What does the 'Ri' stage signify in the creative process?

In the 'Ri' stage, the individual departs from the teachings of the Sensei and creates their own unique approach or teaching. It is about developing a personal style or method, reflecting mastery of the craft and innovation.

How does the example of Picasso illustrate the 'shuhari' process?

Picasso's journey through various artistic phases—such as his blue period, rose period, and the development of cubism—illustrates the 'shuhari' process. He first obeyed the fundamentals of realistic painting ('Shu'), then experimented and broke the rules ('Ha'), and finally created his own unique style, such as cubism ('Ri').

What are the terms 'you' and 'katana,' and how do they relate to creativity?

'You' refers to creativity that is based on a solid understanding of the original teachings and the essence of the art. 'Katana,' on the other hand, represents formless creativity, where the individual creates without understanding the foundational principles, leading to a lack of structure or form in the work.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between creativity and understanding the foundational structure?

The script stresses the importance of understanding the 'box'—the structure or boundaries—before trying to think outside of it. Creativity should build upon this understanding rather than ignoring it, as mastering the fundamentals allows for more meaningful innovation.

What is the key takeaway from the concept of 'shuhari' as it applies to creativity?

The key takeaway from 'shuhari' is that creativity is not about abandoning rules but understanding them first. By following the structured stages of learning (Shu), breaking the rules (Ha), and departing with your own innovation (Ri), individuals can master a creative process that is both informed and original.

How can the 'shuhari' framework be applied outside of artistic fields?

The 'shuhari' framework can be applied in any field that requires learning and mastering complex skills, such as business, engineering, or education. The process of learning foundational principles, experimenting with innovation, and developing one's own approach can foster mastery in various disciplines.