The Idea of an Idea

What is an idea? Is it just something that pops up in the mind? Is it a concept, a form of imagination, or even a form of illustration? What exactly is the idea of an idea?

Ideas are so common that it has become more of a reflex, meaning that we are sometimes unaware that we are actually thinking of an idea. The process is very natural to us. Ideas can be as simple as using the round side of a spoon to help crack an egg, or as complicated as devising a plan to create permanent world peace. In my opinion, an idea is generated from anything that sparks interest, or during the moment we start to think.

So, is there a connection between ideas, knowledge & creativity? From my point of view, yes, there is a definite connection between the 3. I believe that there is a process by which all 3 factors play a part in when creating something. Knowledge comes first, idea second, & creativity third. To generate an idea, one must 1st possess some form of knowledge & understanding about the things around. With knowledge, ideas can be formed just by a single thought. With a basis of the idea, creativity plays its part by using knowledge to expand on the idea, making it unique & better. Hence, the connection between the 3 factors is in fact quite important.

How is an idea judged to be good or bad? My criteria of judging an idea is different from the ordinary. To me, all ideas are good ideas, there is no such thing as a bad idea. My may of judging is on whether the idea is practical or impractical for the task at hand. Some ideas may be rejected for present tasks, but may prove to be more of use for future tasks.

Hence, from my understanding, the idea of an idea is something that we think of that may or may not be practical, but gives us the chance to explore & expand on, to form something completely new or something shares traits similar to that of the original thought.