Ken Robinson says that our educational system discourages – or at least fails to encourage – creativity. I hadn’t really considered it before, but after watching his talk from TED 2006, I think I have to agree. Even more than that, though, I agree with his assertion that creativity is just as important as Math or Reading. Mind you, I’m not interested in devaluing those things, but rather, increasing opportunities for creative expression in our schools.

I was always a creative kid. I liked to draw, to tell stories, to sing and act. I was also a good student. And as I look back on my life thus far, the places where I have succeeded were where academics and creativity intersected. Then, looking around me at people far more successful than I (and far more creative and brilliant) I notice the same pattern.

Entrepreneurs are successful because they come up with a creative, innovative product, or a brilliantly creative marketing plan – not just because they can do the books. Great physicists explore the micro- and macro-cosmos and develop theories that are sometimes so far-fetched that they sound like science fiction. Do those theories come from calculated formulas or do they come from a creative mind that can see what could be and then do the research to find out if it is. Brilliant playwrights and civil engineers, research oncologists and social workers, pastors and rock stars – those who succeed must be both educated and inspired.

The question, then, is “How do we do it?” I have a feeling there are some brilliant, creative people out there who can figure out a way.