Competition vs Creativity

Which one do you think is the most important? Maybe some official definitions will help...

com·pe·ti·tion

ˌkämpəˈtiSHən/

noun

1. 1.

   the activity or condition of competing.

   "there is fierce competition between banks"

   synonyms:

   rivalry, competitiveness, vying; More

   
   courtesy dictionary.com
   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   cre·a·tiv·i·ty

    [kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-]  Show IPA

   noun

   1.
   

   the state or quality of being creative.

   2.
   

   the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns,
   relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new
   ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality,
   progressiveness, or imagination: the need for creativity in
    modern industry; creativity in the performing arts. 

   3.

   the process by which one utilizes creative ability:

    Extensive reading stimulated his creativity.

   
   

   courtesy dictionary.com

   
   
   

   

   
   

 Bet you can figure out which one I thought it was.  Then, a while ago, I had this ephiphany..

 Does it really have to be an oppositional thing after all?

A point I have pondered for many many years until today when Mr John Cleese of Monty Python fame has the answer for me from a speech over 20 years old!

John Cleese: A Lecture on Creativity 

Class, this will be on the test...

My take away... Deciding between creativity and competition is like trying to decide which foot to walk with.  Both are needed in the right amount at the right time to propel us forward. 

Thanks so much John for clearing this up for me!

But really, his humorous and insightful explanation is worth the entire watch (about 15 minutes).  Besides, it's fun to see if you can link up the Danish subtitles with his words...talk about creative!