As humans, we have progressed through different eras. With each one, reshaping how we live and work.

The progression of ages:

1. The Agricultural Age: We learned to farm, forming settled societies.

2. The Industrial Age: Machines enhanced our abilities and changed production.

3. The Information Age: Computers and the Internet changed how we share knowledge.

Now, we stand at the beginning of a new era: The Creative Age.

AI, robotics, and automation, which were things of science fiction — are now a reality.

This shift is changing the idea of work and how we create value in society.

Machines can do both physical and smart tasks as well as, or better than, we can.

This trend will only continue, so the question we have to ask is.

What's left for us humans?

The answer lies in our unique human traits: creativity, ideas, and personal taste.

In a world where AI can process data faster than us, these are our most valuable assets.

In this week's newsletter, we will explore:

• What exactly is the Creative Age

• The value of creativity, ideas, and taste in our AI-driven world

• Shifting your priorities from pure productivity to creativity

By the end of this writing, you will learn the value of your inner creativity, and how you can make the most of this new era.

Let’s get into it.

The Age of Creativity

What exactly is the Creative Age?

The Creative Age is the era we're entering now — brought about by AI, robotics, and automation. It's a time when human creativity becomes our most valuable skill.

Think about it like this:

• Machine technology took us from working the land → factory work.

• Information technology took us from factories → office work.

• Now, AI technology is taking us from office work → creative work.

The value of our work is no longer about how much we work our bodies. It's not how hard we can work our brains. But how we use our creativity to generate value in society.

The progression of value:

Physical labour → productivity → knowledge → creativity.

The value of creativity, ideas, and taste in an AI-driven world.

As machines and AI become more capable of handling routine tasks, our unique human qualities become more valuable.

(A robot can work 24/7 and an AI can eventually outsmart us.)

Our value is in using this technology to create something new for humanity.

It's not about being an artist or a writer. It is about using our own experiences, insights and most important — it is about our taste. The ability to decide what is good, beautiful, and worthwhile.

And in collaboration with this new technology, we can create value.

In this new age, three human qualities will be valuable:

1. Ideas: Is coming up with something novel. It's the spark that starts innovation. While AI can process vast amounts of data, the original ideas will still come from human minds.

2. Creativity: The ability to pull in multiple ideas to create something new. It's about making unexpected connections and seeing patterns where others don't. It comes from experience, reading, listening, exploring thoughts, and combining these.

3. Taste: This is our ability to discern what is good, beautiful, and connects to a feeling. It's about personal judgments and having a unique lens through which you look at the world. Taste decides what is worth our attention in a world of endless possibilities.

As technology advances, these qualities will matter more. They set us apart from machines.

AI can analyse, replicate and even create new imaginations.

But until they become autonomous in society.

It will be people using technology that will be the true creators of value.

With these qualities in mind, how do we prepare ourselves for the Creative Age?

Shifting priorities to the Creative Age

As we move deeper into the Creative Age, our focus needs to shift.

Instead of prioritising pure productivity — doing more in less time.

The shift will be toward valuing original thought and innovation.

This doesn't mean productivity isn't important. Rather, it's about finding a balance.

We must make time for imagination and creativity alongside our tasks.

What this looks like is dependent on what makes you feel creative.

But allocating time for activities that spark your creativity is important.

Ideas:

• Read new books — history, biographies, fantasy.

• Listen to music — explore different genres: classical, jazz → rock, pop

• Watch films, look at art, walk in nature.

• Engage in deep talks, or sit in silence and let your mind wander.

These moments might seem unproductive in today’s world.

But, working on your creativity will help you gain new ideas, see creative connections, and define your own taste.

In the Creative Age, these seemingly "unproductive" moments may well become the source of your most valuable contributions.

By using your creativity, sharing your ideas, and refining your taste, you're not just preparing for the future — you're actively shaping it.

And in the Creative Age that’s where you will be most valuable.

🎁 Members Freebie: Newsletter design tip

A mini-tutorial on how to create an email header image.

🔥 Interesting Finds: The Creative Act

This week’s newsletter on creativity was inspired by The Creative Act by Rick Ruben I was gifted yesterday.

📚 The Book Club

Here's what I've been reading or listening to lately alongside some little nuggets I've picked up through the week.

1. Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

2. At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson

🎵 Music to Vibe too

Jamie XX has been cooking.

Come join the listening party with one of my curated Spotify playlists

• 🤘 Rock Out | Belfast in the 00s

• 🧊 Vibe | Bali Beach Bar at Sunset

• 🔋 Energy | London Rave at 3am

🏝️ Lifestyle Entrepreneur AI Images

Imagining the Modern Creative inspired by Roman statues

And that is it for this week's newsletter.

Wishing you a great week ahead as always

Let's catch up soon

Matt

Stay awesome

🫶

P.s

Interested in future tech? Come join us over at The Meta each week I share the latest in tech news and AI innovation & education.

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