Multiple discovery

I recently discovered the phenomenon of multiple discovery. The idea that discoveries and ideas emerge simultaneously in different places.

I first came across this in Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. But didn’t know the phenomenon actually had a name.

I find it a wonderful concept. Ideas, ready to be discovered. Ideas ready to move on, to someone who wants to discover them.

It puts me at ease. This notion of an endless waterfall of creativity flowing over us. The notion of not having to fear missing out. The notion of just collecting the courage to pick an idea, and bring it to live.