A document written by Albert Einstein has recently come to light in
which the eminent scientist described the actual sequence of his thoughts
leading to the development of the general theory of relativity. The key
creative thought was an instance of a type of creative cognition the author
has previously designated "Janusian thinking," Janusian thinking consists
of actively conceiving two or more opposite or antithetical concepts,
ideas, or images simultaneously. This form of high-level secondary process
cognition has been found to operate widely in art, science, and other
fields.Abstract Teaser