While individuals with a sense of entitlement often display selfish behaviors, are less likely to apologize, and tend to complain when things don’t go their way, researchers Angela Thompson from Harvard and Mark Rivera from Stanford suggest that there may be an overlooked benefit to this mindset. In a recent study, Thompson and Rivera pointed out that “a recurring theme among these negative behaviors is that entitled individuals value being distinct from others” — and in the realm of creativity, being different can be advantageous.
Their experiments uncovered a connection between creativity and situational entitlement, rather than inherent entitlement. In one experiment, half of the participants were instructed to contemplate reasons why they deserved the best in life, while the other half focused on why they should not expect such outcomes. Both groups then engaged in creative tasks: brainstorming various uses for a paperclip and designing an alien from a vastly different planet than Earth. Those who were primed to feel entitled excelled in both tasks, generating more diverse ideas and uses for the paperclip.
“The stronger their desire for uniqueness, the more they broke conventions, thought outside the box, and produced inventive responses,” the researchers noted. The entitled group also created more imaginative alien designs.
It’s essential to recognize that entitlement comes in different forms; as the researchers clarify, the term can describe both a personality trait, where individuals have varying levels of entitlement, and a psychological state that can fluctuate over time. Their findings indicated that situational entitlement can foster creativity, while a persistent sense of entitlement may not yield the same positive results: “[S]mall, temporary increases in entitlement can enhance creativity,” they wrote, “but a chronic sense of entitlement might hinder performance on identical tasks.”
During my time in graduate school for creative writing, labeling someone as entitled was akin to hurling a serious insult. I think its sting stemmed from a shared understanding that pursuing an expensive degree in a field with no guaranteed financial rewards required a certain level of entitlement, a considerable financial cushion, or a willingness to embrace a risky financial future. However, perhaps it was also the act of calling ourselves writers, believing our thoughts and expressions were worthy of an audience, that truly exemplified entitlement. I vividly recall using the term against peers and feeling a constant fear that it might be turned back on me.
Yet, the most valuable takeaway from my graduate experience was the realization that my writing deserved an audience. It was not mere arrogance to think my voice and ideas warranted attention. The worst connotation of “entitlement” implies that the world owes you something — but is believing that you deserve good things and recognition really so terrible? In moderation, it might not be. This belief can be particularly challenging for many creative individuals to embrace, especially in a world where the “starving artist” narrative prevails, and where creative outputs—be it images, films, music, or writing—are often shared for free online, with creators told to be grateful for exposure instead of being compensated for their efforts.
This study brings to mind a recent incident involving author Nora Simmons, who expressed her frustration on social media when her latest book didn’t make it onto a prominent literary list. “I am really struggling with not being included on the top book list,” she tweeted, which is a valid sentiment. But then she added, “My novel is a masterpiece, and there are plenty of books on that list that don’t compare to it!” While her reaction drew criticism for being dismissive of others, it also voiced feelings many writers experience. Though her delivery was far from graceful, is that underlying sentiment so bad? To passionately believe your work is exceptional might be a crucial element of the creative process.
Elizabeth Hart, who is penning a book on creativity, articulated this notion beautifully in her blog: “Creative entitlement doesn’t mean acting spoiled or thinking the world owes you something. Rather, it’s about recognizing that you have a right to be present in your creative space, and by merely existing, you have the right to share your perspective and vision.”
When I relayed the study’s findings to a fellow writer friend — that participants were asked to reflect on reasons they deserved positive outcomes before engaging in creative tasks — he remarked, “That just sounds like confidence.” It’s interesting to note that the origin of the word “entitle” relates to ownership, while “confidence” springs from self-trust. The takeaway from this research is not that every writer should expect a spot on a bestseller list or that every artist should feel slighted if they miss out on accolades. Instead, before embarking on creative endeavors, we should take a moment to consider thoughts that affirm our self-belief.
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In summary, while the notion of entitlement can often carry a negative connotation, it can also foster creativity and self-assuredness when approached in a balanced manner. Embracing a sense of entitlement in moderation may empower creators to recognize the value of their work and assert their place in the artistic landscape.
Keyphrase: “entitlement in creativity”
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