ABSTRACT
By definition, creativity and conformity would appear to be natural enemies. We may even be inclined to think of them as the two poles of some single variable. Yet we find on every side what appear to be con tradictions of this view, for much productive and well-rewarded work is being performed by people who do a great deal of conforming. In fact, some capacity to conform seems necessary to the kind of creative work that is valued by society, or at least by certain subsections of it . Creative work even manages to go on under some conditions which severely restrict freedom of thought. Conversely, among people who refuse to conform, we are likely to find many who do not create either.
