Before ChatGPT’s popularity boom after its release in 2022, when did you ever use the word generative? I came across it rarely. I remember it coming up in a class or two in grad school, relevant to AI, but it wasn’t part of my regular lexicon. These days, thanks to the AI boom, I hear the word generative all the time. Lately, I find myself contemplating what it means to be generative.
Before ChatGPT’s popularity boom after its release in 2022, when did you ever use the word generative? I came across it rarely. I remember it coming up in a class or two in grad school, relevant to AI, but it wasn’t part of my regular lexicon. These days, thanks to the AI boom, I hear the word generative all the time. Lately, I find myself contemplating what it means to be generative.
Generative is a great word because, although it may not have been familiar pre-ChatGPT, it is instantly understandable. We know what it means to generate, we know what a generator is, we’re familiar with the word genesis (whether from the Bible or the band), and so, without consulting a dictionary, we pretty much know what generative means. It means to create. It means nothing more and nothing less than to produce something, anything. It has no expectation of what will be produced or the quality of its product. To be generative is to create without judgment.
Creating without judgment has been a struggle in my life. I’m a natural-born critic and editor. This has served me well in many ways, but it’s hard for me to express an idea without tearing it out of existence in my head first. Picking apart ideas can be a valuable skill, but if it’s done at the wrong time, it can crush ideas before they can fully exist.
You’ll notice that I used the word creating in my description of what we all know generative means. And so you might think—why not use the word creative? And yet, what do you think of when you consider the word creative? Who is a creative type? What is creativity? Most of us associate the word creative with some assessment of quality. A creative person is original, innovative, artistic, productive, and inspired. In many ways, it’s a loaded word.
So I’m letting go of the word creative. I’m giving up on the idea of creativity. My new plan is to be generative. I will generate words from my ideas and explain them without self-judgment. I’ll generate courses and crochet patterns and poorly sewn dresses. I’ll generate messy code and incomprehensible handwriting. I will press pause on my inner critic and create without the burden of needing to be creative.
That’s the purpose of this space—my generative home. I’d like to share my generative journey with others for the simple satisfaction of making something and sharing it. I have no set plan for this space beyond generating words and images about what interests me. Based on my career experiences, educational background, and how I spend my time, you can likely expect to read about reflections on AI, tech, sustainability, education, the meaning of life, and, of course, crafting. You know, just your regular Sunday morning thoughts.
I hope you’ll consider joining me, whether as a fellow maker, a curious observer, or someone also trying to let go of perfectionism. However long you stay, I appreciate you reading this far.