Elizabeth Gilbert gives a wonderfully fluid talk over at TED about the mysterious sources of insights that so called geniuses get, weaving in dramatic real-life stories about creative people who have been possessed by powerful ideas. She romances over how genius – far from being innate in people – is this thing that get holds of them with a force-of-nature type of intensity, and get’s them to make the long slog through beauty and pain to uncover a truth they’ve always known.

The unpretentious home page with her photograph tells me that she’s open, honest, vulnerable and somewhat fearless in her approach. I want my work to develop that kind of character – purity in its intent, sincerity in its execution and honesty in its content. Nothing that’s contrived. Nothing that entertains through the shock factor. And nothing that does not grow with me and make me fulfilled.

Also, here is an excerpt from one of her interviews listed on her website:

“I am far more of a loner than people would imagine. But I am the most gregarious and socially interactive loner you ever met. The thing is, I am fascinated by people’s stories and I’m very talkative and can’t ever say No to anything or anyone, so I tend to over-socialize, to give away too much of my time to the many people I adore.”

That one is a perfect description of my dominant attitude. I am interested in everything, and get talking to people who have experiences to narrate. Anybody can have strong beliefs, but I’m after those who have had actual experiences to back up such beliefs.