title: Catalytic creativity. The case of Linus Pauling.
abstract: This article illustrates how creativity is constituted by forces beyond the innovating individual, drawing examples from the career of the eminent chemist Linus Pauling. From a systems perspective, a scientific theory or other product is creative only if the innovation gains the acceptance of a field of experts and so transforms the culture. In addition to this crucial selective function vis-à-vis the completed work, the social field can play a catalytic role, fostering productive interactions between person and domain throughout a career. Pauling's case yields examples of how variously the social field contributes to creativity, shaping the individual's standards of judgment and providing opportunities, incentives, and critical evaluation. A formidable set of strengths suited Pauling for his scientific achievements, but examination of his career qualifies the notion of a lone genius whose brilliance carries the day.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago, USA. jeanne.nakamura@cgu.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Csikszentmihalyi
mesh_terms: D002621:Chemistry / Q000266:history*; D003405:Creativity; D005197:Famous Persons; D049673:History, 20th Century; D014481:United States