Dancing on an empty shore: Symbolic immortality, meaning, and being creative as doomsday approaches

Why do we create? Most studies of creativity and motivation use the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Yet seeking meaning, often conceptualized as coherence, significance, and purpose, can be considered another type of motivation. People may create to achieve or maintain meaning; they may also be driven to leave behind a legacy to give them some type of symbolic immortality. In addition to creative works, such a legacy may be pursued through having children, spiritual or religious means, embracing nature, or moments of experiential transcendence. As a range of existential threats, from COVID-19 to climate change, cast doubt on the future of our species, how might younger and future generations shift their views on legacy and meaning – through acceptance and experiential appreciation, or through resistance and transformation? What are the best ways to continue to nurture creativity in the classroom with these shifts? This paper synthesizes the research and theory on meaning in life, specifically the idea of symbolic immortality, motivation, and creativity. One emphasis in meaning literature is the idea of leaving a legacy behind; creative works are one such way (along with, for example, children). Post-Hiroshima, Lifton wondered if the idea of such a possible apocalyptic scenario might lead people to focus more on specific experiences, as opposed to accomplishments. Although research at the time did not support this idea, the modern world now has numerous existential threats and it is time to revisit this question – specifically, how might generational changes in views on symbolic immortality necessitate a shift in how we encourage students to want to be creative? • Meaning in life can be seen as another type of motivation to be creative. • Symbol immortality is leaving something behind after death, such as creative works. • Increasing existential threats might lead younger people to care less about legacy. • Appreciating intense and meaningful experiences might become more valued. • All of this has implications for creativity in the classroom.