Part 3: Creativity

1. Why do people feel more emotionally connected to things they create themselves?

Because they’ve literally poured their heart and soul into it. When you’ve had to burn the midnight oil at 3AM, or work under pressure to bring something to life, that thing becomes more than just a product — it becomes part of you. Whether it’s a business you built from scratch or a painting you turned from zero to hero single-handedly, the emotional weight is undeniable. It speaks volumes, and it often means more than something money can buy.

🔹 Từ vựng hay & nghĩa tiếng Việt:

• poured their heart and soul into it – dốc hết tâm huyết
• burn the midnight oil at 3AM – thức khuya cày cuốc
• work under pressure – làm việc trong áp lực
• built from scratch – xây dựng từ con số 0
• turned from zero to hero single-handedly – biến không thành có, một mình làm hết
• speaks volumes – nói lên rất nhiều (về giá trị/cảm xúc)

2. Should schools focus more on creativity and practical skills than academic theory?

Honestly? A resounding yes. We need more real-world application, not just pages of textbook theory. I mean, it’s one thing to memorise a formula — but it’s another to actually cope with real-world challenges like poverty or climate change. Creative group projects can hone students’ strengths, help them navigate problems more efficiently, and let their imagination run wild. We need to encourage students to explore abandoned tracks, not just follow the usual path.

🔹 Từ vựng hay & nghĩa tiếng Việt:

• real-world application – ứng dụng thực tế
• textbook theory – lý thuyết sáo rỗng
• cope with real-world challenges – đối mặt với vấn đề ngoài đời
• hone students’ strengths – mài giũa điểm mạnh
• navigate problems more efficiently – giải quyết vấn đề hiệu quả hơn
• let their imagination run wild – thỏa sức sáng tạo
• explore abandoned tracks – khám phá những lối đi ít ai chọn

3. Does perfectionism stop people from trying new things? Why or why not?

Definitely. Perfectionism is a creativity killer. A lot of people don’t dare to go outside their comfort zone because they’re scared of being judged or falling short of some imaginary standard. But the truth is, most of the general public actually prefer things that are raw, grounded, and real — not overly polished and robotic. Perfection only exists in fiction anyway. Real creativity is messy, and that’s the charm.

🔹 Từ vựng hay & nghĩa tiếng Việt:

• creativity killer – thứ giết chết sáng tạo
• go outside their comfort zone – vượt vùng an toàn
• judged – bị đánh giá (về mặt xã hội)
• general public – đại đa số công chúng
• raw, grounded, and real – thô mộc, thực tế và chân thật
• perfection only exists in fiction – sự hoàn hảo chỉ có trong truyện

4. How has AI and automation changed how people value handmade work?

It’s funny, but the more we use AI, the more we start craving things that are authentic, raw, and human. These days you can generate a flashy image with the click of a button, and sure, it looks cool — but it’s missing something. Handmade items, whether it’s a wooden chair or a handmade card, have this real, tangible feel that’s impossible to replicate digitally. They carry imperfections, personality, even soul.

🔹 Từ vựng hay & nghĩa tiếng tiếng Việt:

• authentic / raw / human – nguyên bản, thô mộc, giàu tính người
• click of a button – chỉ cần nhấp chuột
• real, tangible feel – cảm giác thật sự, có thể chạm được
• imperfections / personality / soul – điểm chưa hoàn hảo / cá tính / linh hồn