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Neuroscientist Christoph von der Malsburg on creativity
- Karim Mustaghni
- Apr 23
- 1 min read
Updated: May 27
Christoph von der Malsburg is a neuroscientist dedicated to solving one of humanity’s biggest mysteries: how the mind arises from the brain. In his 2017 interview with The Creativs, he shares how patience, independence, and deep curiosity fuel his scientific creativity.
Christoph von der Malsburg reflects on what it truly takes to pursue new ideas. Here are three insights he shares:
"You have to come up with new ideas, which you don't find like pebbles on the beach." For Christoph, real innovation demands persistent searching, gathering perspectives, and allowing ideas to simmer over time, sometimes for years.
"I feel like a neuron immersed in mankind." He draws energy and inspiration from being part of the broader human community, seeing himself as one small but vital part of a greater whole.
"In order to be creative, you have to be yourself." To truly innovate, Christoph believes you must detach from the crowd, resist the pull of popular thinking, and take time to quietly observe your own mind.
