Meaning: The quote "Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago?" by Bernice Fitz-Gibbon, a pioneering businesswoman, presents an intriguing perspective on the nature of creativity. In this quote, Fitz-Gibbon suggests that creativity does not always involve inventing something entirely new, but rather discovering or reimagining something that already exists. She uses the example of right and left shoes to illustrate her point, highlighting an everyday item that many people take for granted but was actually a relatively recent innovation.

Fitz-Gibbon's quote challenges the traditional notion of creativity as the act of bringing something entirely original into existence. Instead, she encourages us to consider creativity as the process of recognizing and harnessing the potential that already exists in the world around us. This perspective aligns with the concept of "creative recombination," which involves taking existing ideas, concepts, or elements and combining them in novel ways to generate innovative outcomes.

The statement about right and left shoes serves as a thought-provoking example of this concept. Prior to the introduction of distinct right and left shoes, footwear was often symmetrical, and individuals would wear the same type of shoe on both feet. The realization that shoes could be designed to fit the unique shapes of the left and right feet represented a creative reimagining of a familiar object. This relatively simple innovation not only enhanced comfort and functionality but also transformed the way people interacted with and perceived their footwear.

In a broader sense, Fitz-Gibbon's quote encourages us to reconsider our understanding of creativity in various contexts, including business, design, and problem-solving. It suggests that creativity can manifest in the form of incremental improvements, adaptations, or reinterpretations of existing ideas or products. This concept is particularly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world, where innovation often involves building upon the foundations laid by previous generations.

Furthermore, the quote prompts us to appreciate the significance of small, seemingly mundane innovations that have the potential to make a meaningful impact. The example of right and left shoes serves as a reminder that creative breakthroughs can arise from the most unexpected sources, and that even minor modifications to familiar objects or processes can lead to significant advancements.

Fitz-Gibbon's perspective on creativity also underscores the importance of observation, curiosity, and the ability to see beyond the status quo. By recognizing the potential for improvement or transformation in existing elements of our environment, individuals and organizations can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.

In conclusion, Bernice Fitz-Gibbon's quote challenges conventional notions of creativity by emphasizing the concept of "turning up what is already there." By highlighting the example of right and left shoes as a relatively recent innovation, she encourages us to reconsider the nature of creativity as a process of discovery, reimagining, and recombination. This perspective invites us to recognize the potential for creativity in everyday objects and situations, and to embrace the value of incremental improvements and adaptations. Ultimately, Fitz-Gibbon's quote serves as a reminder that creativity is not always about creating something entirely new, but often involves uncovering and leveraging the latent possibilities that exist within the familiar.