Preserving Human Creativity in the Age of AI: The Challenge of Originality in a Copy-Paste Culture

You may feel like creativity is something reserved for a lucky few, hovering gracefully on someone else’s shoulder while you’re left questioning if buying a coloring book even qualifies as art, but the truth is that simply picking up those colored pencils is a perfectly valid—and important—way of expressing your imagination. I see that you might be skeptical, perhaps thinking you’re not artistic enough or that you’ve missed your chance, but picture yourself a year from now, not just admiring creative work but joyfully making it, your shelves filled with quirky projects and cherished memories. You don’t really want your creative instincts sitting idle, gathering dust in the back of your mind, do you? Because creativity isn’t restricted to the acclaimed singers or painters—it sneakily appears when you invent a new sandwich from leftovers or wrap a gift with more tape than paper, simply because you want to make someone smile.

It’s a mistake to believe that creative expression ends at gallery walls or the stage, but it flourishes in everyday moments—solving tricky problems at work, spinning jokes at the dinner table, or throwing together a so-called “experimental” dinner from a nearly empty refrigerator. Doubt its relevance? Even the corporate world now demands creative thinking alongside basic digital skills, because navigating daily life often requires more invention than most art studios.

You might worry that if you’re not producing something worthy of applause or likes, your creativity isn’t real, but that’s a false standard. We get so caught up chasing polished, original outcomes that we ignore the messy, enlivening process—the part that actually sets us free. Maybe you still carry the sting of being told to quiet your voice, hide your odd ideas, or stifle your artistic dreams, but wouldn’t it be a relief to let those long-buried quirks break out of their hiding place? Because when you stop locking away the things that make you feel most alive, you actually discover new reservoirs of energy and excitement.

If you hesitate to even try, convinced your creations will never measure up, just remember: this isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about claiming your right to take up creative space, whether your workday is a whirlwind of spreadsheets or your favorite hobby is wildly offbeat. Can you imagine waking up, looking forward to a day colored by your own small acts of artistry, instead of feeling stuck in the dull routine? Because when you put yourself back at the center of the creative process, everything from your perspective to your energy transforms.

Don’t let yourself stay trapped in second-guessing or perfectionism—the world doesn’t need another flawless, faceless product. It needs you, with all your playful “mistakes” and unrepeatable ideas. Because every time you move your love of drawing, singing, building, or writing from the bottom of your list to the top, you inject real freedom and joy into your life.

Isn’t it better to risk making a delightful mess than to stand on the sidelines, wishing your life was more vibrant? Because rediscovering your creativity reignites your soul and helps you see possibility everywhere, not just in so-called “special” people. Before long, you’ll find that all those quirky experiments—no matter how small—add up into a life that feels more like your own masterpiece.

So when you catch yourself doubting if it’s worth it, laugh at perfection and imagine the satisfaction of seeing a colorful collection of your quirky creations. Because ultimately, the most unique, joyful, and resilient version of you comes alive when you dare to fill every corner of your world with honest, imperfect art—and, when in doubt, a dancing penguin or two.