Gentle anarchy never hurt anybody

I looked at my phone screen and saw this picture. It is a picture of a see-saw that goes between the Mexican and American Border. This simple idea lets children play with each other even though they are separated by an impenetrable steel barrier.

Think of the anger. Think of the pain that exists on either side of that steel line in the sand. Think about the intelligence and heart that creates an idea that lets people have fun in that barren and unforgiving environment. An idea that does not break the law, but simply overcomes the law. An idea that proves just how limited rules can be.

Are rules more important than ideas?

Damon Stapleton  1 Feb 2017

It was created by two architects, Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello. Their beautiful intention was to bring people together through design.

As you may have guessed, I really like this idea. It has power, playfulness, humanity, humour and simplicity in equal measure. But most importantly, it has a gentle anarchy at its core. Great ideas like these have this essential creative point of view.

Think of that famous 60’s photograph of the anti-Vietnam war protester putting a carnation into the barrel of a military policeman’s gun.

Gentle anarchy. It’s a gun. No, it’s a vase. The power you thought you had is gone. It’s a wall. Nope, it’s a children’s playground. The power you thought you had is gone.

Transformation. Fundamentally, this is the super power creativity has. This was how the world was and, hey presto, now, this is how the world will be.

What do you want creativity to do?

Damon Stapleton  22 Aug 2018

It breaks patterns. It changes boundaries. It gives us new pictures. Instantly.

Nothing else does this. This is why creativity is so important. Many strong and brutal things can change the world but invariably there are casualties.

Creativity takes the fear out of change. It can shift power effortlessly and elegantly. It can also make you smile in the middle of all the madness.

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness and truth.” – Leo Tolstoy