How Water Inspires You

Water has always been conducive to thinking. Most people find they have some of their best ideas when they are relaxing. To fully relax, you need to work on your body as well as your mind. By lying in a hot bath, closing your eyes and chilling out, your whole state becomes receptive to creative ideas. The most famous example of water-induced inspiration comes from the Greek mathematician Archimedes.

One day Archimedes was asked by the king to discover whether his crown was pure gold, or gold mixed with silver. This problem was a particularly difficult one, as many of the techniques of scientific analysis that are available today were then unknown. He remained stumped on this problem for days. As he was taking a bath, Archimedes suddenly came up with a solution: the density of metal can be determined from its weight loss when placed in water. Archimedes was so overjoyed at this discovery that he jumped up from his bath and ran through the streets naked shouting “Eureka!” (meaning “I have found it!)

One of the best water-based inspirations is rain. It has properties that create a fresh start for ideas. Heavy rain drowns out the noisy distractions around you, allowing you to concentrate. The water falling over the city creates new patterns and perceptions of things that you see everyday. Having rain drops cascade over you makes you feel alive and cleansed. So take advantage of next downpour to generate some new ideas!

And here’s a little inspiration from Smashing Magazine:

- Christian