Old masters and young geniuses: The two life cycles of human creativity

David Galenson

Journal of Applied Economics, 2009, vol. 12, 1-9

Abstract: There are two fundamentally different approaches to innovation, and each is associated with a distinct pattern of discovery over the life cycle. Experimental innovators work by trial an error, and arrive at their major contributions gradually, late in life. Conceptual innovators make sudden breakthroughs, usually at an early age. Both types of innovators have made important contributions to art and science.

Keywords: creativity; experimental innovators; conceptual innovators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J01 J24 O30 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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