Mirror, mirror: what you create defines you

(A somewhat serious topic for today's blog, inspired by events of the past days and months.)

Creativity is a capacity, but what you create is entirely up to you.  In fact, one reason I believe so strongly in active, intentional creativity is that being passive can lead to unintended consequences.  We are moral beings, so at least when we form intentions we have a chance of shaping our impact on the world.

And yet, it is always possible for someone to choose to create pain, suffering, aggression, or injustice.  They can easily do so in the name of goodness, believing in their own cause to such an extent that all morality is left behind.

The creative process uses all of your varied abilities to perceive, imagine, plan, and execute your vision of the world.  The only consistent element will be you--your vision, your ethics, your will.  When you create, you express who you are in the most profound way. 

My own values teach that the end can never justify the means, and that shapes every aspect of my creative process.  Whatever you believe, be sure you are conscious of how your values mesh with your vision. Only then can you create a world you wish to live in.