Torrance Journal for Applied Creativity

Question: What if these Q “subjects”
had as much value as math, reading
and science?
Q REPORT CARD
SUBJECT DESCRIPTION GRADE COMMENT
EMPATHY
Is sensitive to feelings
and points of view of
others; caring
Let’s take a closer look at E.
Paul Torrance’s Manifesto for Children
in light of the areas we have discussed
in this article. In 1983, he wrote these
remarkable words which give most
educators a “pause for the cause” when
they reflect on the purpose of their own
teaching.
SENSE OF HUMOR
TOLERANCE
OBSERVANT
ASKS QUESTIONS
SELF‐ CONFIDENCE
IMAGINATIVE
RISK TAKER
DAYDREAMS
PERSISTENT
EXPLORES INTERESTS
FAILS OFTEN
ADAPTABLE
ENERGETIC
HAPPINESS
Uses appropriate humor
often
Accepts ambiguity and
diversity
Sees details; shares facts
and opinions
Is curious and asks many
questions; wonders; is
in awe
Uses strengths to boost
competence
Uses and acts upon
imagination in work
Takes acceptable/ educated,
intellectual risks
Appropriately daydreams
throughout the day
Works hard; exhibits task
commitment; has grit,
diligence, and effort
Has a variety of interests/
hobbies
Learns from mistakes;
guesses; predicts
Is flexible and resilient in
thinking; embraces change
Is passionate and enthusiastic
Is content; joyous;has feelings
of well‐being
Manifesto for Children
1. Don’t be afraid to fall in love with
something and pursue it with intensity.
(Passion blade)
2. Know, understand, take pride in,
practice, develop, exploit and enjoy
your greatest strengths. (Multiple
Intelligences)
3. Learn to free yourself from the
expectations of others and walk
away from the games they play. Free
yourself to play your own game.
(Multi-abilities Philosophy)
4. Find a great teacher or mentor
who will help you. (Modeling)
5. Don’t waste energy trying to be
well rounded. (Passion & Person)
6. Do what you love and can do well.
(Creative & Practical Intelligence)
7.Learn the skills of interdependence.
(Diverse & Emotional Intelligence)
Unfortunately, creativity rapidly
declines when children enter school and
continues to decline into adulthood.
There is one bright light at the end
of this horizon. Many adults begin to
demonstrate increased creativity as they
get older. William Carlos Williams,
known for his poetry, was also a doctor.
In his early 60s, he suffered a stroke
and it prevented him from practicing
medicine. He developed severe depression
and was hospitalized for a year.
He pulled out of his depression, aided
by writing poetry. He published his
work ten years later. His Pictures from
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