Exponential Creativity:
The i-Jim
Genuine originality is exceedingly rare. Almost all creativity is actually about finding & combining two or more previously distinct ideas: ‘Ulysses‘ is The Odyssey shrunk to a single day in Dublin, The Wire is Greek tragedy meets modern police procedural, Han Solo is a cowboy with a laser pistol. The creativity is in spotting and then melding these new connections. One of AI’s phenomenal strengths is its ability to help spot, forge, deepen and blend those connections in ways we could only previously dream of.
The I-Jim
The 64 Hexagrams of the ‘I-Ching’ as seen through a Joycean lens
Using Exponential Thinking I combined the complex methodology of the ‘I-Ching’ with the equally complex work of Joyce?
The I-Ching
For over a 1,000 years the incredibly dense & complex ‘I Ching’ has been used as a tool for divination.
1.Qian (The Creative) - Joyce Himself: The audacity of creation, the pen as a wand conjuring worlds from the inkwell of the mind. Like Joyce, you stand at the precipice of endless possibility. Write your own narrative, but remember, the ink dries only when you will it.
2.Kun (The Receptive) - Molly Bloom in Her Bed: The bed, a sanctuary of receptivity, where Molly Bloom's innermost thoughts unfurl like petals. Yield, and in yielding find your strength. Let the world come to you, and embrace it with open arms—or legs.
3.Zhun (Difficulty at the Beginning) - Stephen Dedalus in the Martello Tower: The Martello Tower, a fortress of youthful rebellion. Yet, even Dedalus faced the daunting cliffs of new beginnings. Tread carefully, young artist; the world is a labyrinth, and you've only just entered.
4.Meng (Youthful Folly) - The Young Joyce in Portrait: The folly of youth, a cacophony of desires and doubts. Yet, in this chaos lies the crucible of your becoming. Listen to the elders, but let not their words drown out your inner symphony.
5.Xu (Waiting) - Leopold Bloom's Marriage to Molly: The patience of Leopold, waiting for the elusive "yes" in a marriage woven with threads of silence. Sometimes, waiting is the bravest act, a silent rebellion against the tyranny of immediacy.
6.Song (Conflict) - Bloom vs. The Citizen in Cyclops: The pub, a battleground of words and wills. Like Bloom facing The Citizen, you too must navigate the treacherous waters of conflict. Choose your battles, but more importantly, choose your words.
7.Tai (Peace) - Bloom's Return to the Marital Bed: The odyssey ends where it began—in the sanctuary of the marital bed. Like Bloom, you too may find peace in the familiar, a haven in the chaos of life's wanderings.
8.Pi (Standstill) - Stephen's Stagnation in Dublin: The paralysis of Dublin, a city that clings like a shroud. Stephen's creative spirit yearns for flight, yet finds itself ensnared. In stagnation, however, lies the seed of rebirth. Will you, like Stephen, break free?
9.Tong Ren (Fellowship with Men) - Wandering Rocks/Dublin's Multitude: The streets of Dublin, a tapestry of souls woven in fleeting encounters. Like the characters in "Wandering Rocks," you too are part of a larger narrative, each meeting a stitch in the fabric of life.
10.Da You (Possession in Great Measure) - Bloom's Rescue of Stephen in Nighttown: Nighttown, a carnival of excess and vice. Yet, in this den of iniquity, Bloom's nobility shines. Wealth is not measured in coin but in deeds, and you, like Bloom, possess riches beyond measure.
11.Qian (Modesty) - Bloom's Kind and Gentle Nature: The quiet strength of Bloom, a modest man in a world that often confuses brashness for bravery. Like Bloom, your power lies not in grand gestures but in the subtle acts of kindness that define you.
12.Yu (Enthusiasm) - Bloom as Fatherly Leader to Stephen: The cabman's shelter, a haven in the storm. Bloom, the reluctant patriarch, guides Stephen with a gentle hand. Enthusiasm, when tempered with wisdom, can light the way for others, just as Bloom does for Stephen.
13.Sui (Following) - Stephen's Willingness to Accompany Bloom: The night unfolds, and Stephen, the reluctant disciple, follows Bloom through the labyrinth of Dublin's streets. To follow is not to yield but to engage in a dance of souls, each leading and being led in turn.
14.Gu (Work on What Has Been Spoiled) - Bloom's Return to Molly After Boylan: The bed, once a sanctuary, now tainted by Boylan's presence. Yet, Bloom returns, a quiet act of restoration. Sometimes, the most profound repairs are those we make in the chambers of the heart.
15.Lin (Approach) - Winner of the Gold Cup and Rumor About Bloom: The Gold Cup, a fleeting moment of glory, and Bloom, the rumoured winner who never was. Opportunity dances on the edge of reality, a siren's call. Will you, like Bloom, chase the elusive or find contentment in the tangible?
16.Guan (Contemplation) - Catechism Episode with Q&A: The catechism, a litany of questions and answers, each a mirror reflecting the multifaceted world of "Ulysses." Contemplation is not passive but an active engagement with the enigma of existence.
17.Shi He (Biting Through) - The Aeolus Episode: The newspaper office, a cacophony of voices, each clamoring for attention. Yet, the decision to retreat to the pub brings clarity. Sometimes, resolution is found not in the noise but in the quiet corners of camaraderie.
“I’ve put in so many enigmas
and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that's the only way of insuring one's immortality.”
James Joyce
The works of Joyce are widely regarded as the most densely complex ever written in the English language.
18.Bi (Grace) - The Two Sirens, Bronze and Gold: The allure of the Sirens, their song a symphony of temptation. Beauty and aesthetics are not mere frivolities but the essence of life's poetry.
19.Bo (Splitting Apart) - Bloom Leaving Molly for Breakfast: The morning's errands, a temporary parting that casts a shadow over the day. Yet, even in separation, there is the promise of return, the lemon soap a fragrant reminder.
20.Fu (Return) - Bloom's and Molly's Returns: The circle completes itself, Bloom returning to Molly, and Molly to her "Poldy." In the dance of love, each departure is but a prelude to a reunion.
21.Wu Wang (Innocence) - Seedcake on the Cliffs: The cliffs, a sanctuary of youthful innocence. The taste of seedcake, a Proustian key unlocking memories of simpler times.
22.Da Chu (Taming Power of the Great) - Bloom's Restraint: The Citizen's pub, a crucible of tension. Yet, Bloom's restraint is his shield, his dignity unassailable even in the face of provocation.
23.Yi (Corners of the Mouth) - Gorgonzola Sandwich: The simple pleasure of a gorgonzola sandwich, a moment of nourishment amid the chaos. Sometimes, the most profound comforts are those we taste.
24.Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great) - Bloom's Compassion: Bloom, a beacon of kindness in a world often indifferent. His compassion, a force that elevates the mundane into the sublime.
25.Kan (The Abysmal) - The Trip to Nighttown: Nighttown, a descent into the abysmal depths of the human psyche. Danger lurks, yet even here, there are lessons to be learned.
26.Li (The Clinging) - The Triangle of Bloom, Molly, and Stephen: The ephemeral connection, a fleeting yet profound attachment. Like Joyce himself, you too may find that the most transient of encounters can leave an indelible mark.
27.Xian (Influence) - Ulysses as a Tapestry of Relationships: "Ulysses," a labyrinthine tapestry of human connections. Each thread, a relationship; each knot, an encounter—binding us in a complex web of attraction and repulsion.
28.Heng (Duration) - Molly & Poldy's Marriage: The marriage of Molly and Poldy, a testament to the enduring power of love. Despite the storms and squalls, their union sails on, a ship steadfast in its course.
29.Dun (Retreat) - Poldy in Church and Graveyard: The church and the graveyard, sanctuaries of solitude. Here, Poldy retreats from the world, finding solace in the silence of stone and spirit.
30.Da Zhuang (Power of the Great) - Ulysses as a Literary Landmark: "Ulysses," a colossus in the landscape of literature. Its towering presence casts a long shadow, shaping the contours of modern storytelling.
31.Jin (Progress) - Joyce's Influence on Modernism: Joyce, the luminary of Modernism. His brilliance illuminates the path for countless artists, a beacon guiding us toward uncharted creative territories.
32.Ming Yi (Darkening of the Light) - Joyce's Struggles: The years of wandering, the labyrinth of publishing hurdles. Yet, even in the darkest tunnels, Joyce found a way to let his light shine.
33.Jia Ren (The Family) - Joyce's Family Life: The hearth of home, where Joyce found his greatest joys and deepest sorrows. Family, a complex tapestry woven with threads of love, loyalty, and loss.
35.Jian (Obstruction) - Joyce's Obstacles: The hurdles Joyce faced, each an obstacle course testing his mettle. Yet, he persevered, turning each stumbling block into a stepping stone.
34.Kui (Opposition) - Censorship and Legal Trials: The trials of "Ulysses," a battleground where art and morality clashed. Yet, even in opposition, the book found its voice, a testament to the indomitable spirit of creativity.
36.Jie (Deliverance) - Ulysses' Triumph: The final vindication, "Ulysses" ascending to its rightful throne. A liberation not just for Joyce but for the very art of storytelling.
37.Sun (Decrease) - Immersion in 'Ulysses': The experience of reading "Ulysses," a river into which one must plunge. Let go of the need to understand every nuance; let the words wash over you like a cleansing tide.
38.Yi (Increase) - Bloomsday Phenomenon: Bloomsday, a global celebration that blooms anew each year. A testament to the enduring allure of Joyce's world, ever expanding in hearts and minds.
39.Guai (Breakthrough) - 'Getting Ulysses': The moment of revelation, when the labyrinthine corridors of "Ulysses" suddenly unfold into a coherent map. A breakthrough, like sunlight piercing through a cloudy sky.
40.Gou (Coming to Meet) - Deepening Relationship with Characters: The characters of Joyce's world, each a unique soul with whom we form a deepening bond. As we traverse the pages, they become companions on our literary journey.
41.Cui (Gathering Together) - Global Joycean Community: The fellowship of Joyce enthusiasts, a global tapestry woven with threads of admiration and scholarly discourse. A community where the love for Joyce's work is the common tongue.
42.Sheng (Pushing Upward) - Triumph of Finishing 'Ulysses': The euphoria of turning the last page, a summit reached after a grueling climb. The joy of discovery, each insight a gem unearthed from the depths of Joyce's imagination.
43.Kun (Oppression) - Daunting Nature of 'Ulysses': The initial intimidation, the towering edifice of "Ulysses" casting its shadow. Yet, even in its daunting complexity, lies the promise of unparalleled literary riches.
44.Jing (The Well) - Intellectual Nourishment: The wellspring of wisdom that is Joyce's work. Each reading, a draught from this inexhaustible well, nourishing the mind and enriching the soul.
45.Ge (Revolution) - Joycean Lens on the World: The transformative power of Joyce's perspective. Once you've seen the world through his eyes, it's as if you've donned a new pair of glasses, revealing layers of hidden meaning.
46.Ding (The Cauldron) - Personal Growth: The cauldron of personal growth, stirred by the spoon of Joyce's genius. Each reading, a simmering brew that enriches our understanding, giving us new eyes to see the world.
47.Zhen (The Arousing) - Shock of Language and Themes: The initial shock of Joyce's raw language and themes, a jolt that awakens the reader to the unvarnished truths of human existence.
48.Gen (Keeping Still) - Poldy and Stephen in the Garden: The quietude of the garden, a sanctuary beneath the womb-blue fruit where Poldy and Stephen find a moment of stillness and reflection.
49.Jian (Development) - Acceptance and Coming to Terms: The gradual unfolding of friendship and understanding between Stephen and Bloom, each coming to terms with the complexities of their lives.
50.Gui Mei (The Marrying Maiden) - 'Ulysses' in the World: The book itself, a commitment to the world, a relationship that has forever altered the landscape of literature.
51.Feng (Abundance) - Joyce's Later Years: The years of abundance, when Joyce was feted and celebrated, his work finally receiving the recognition it so richly deserved.
52.Lu (The Wanderer) - Bloom's Journey: Bloom's odyssey through the streets of Dublin, a wanderer both in the physical world and the labyrinthine corridors of his own mind.
53.Xun (The Gentle) - Bloom's Actions: The gentle influence of Bloom, his kindness and decency radiating outward, touching all he encounters.
54.Dui (The Joyous) - Bloom's Optimism: The buoyant spirit of Bloom, a wellspring of natural optimism that colors his worldview.
55.Huan (Dispersion) - Impact on Literature: The book's revolutionary impact, breaking down barriers and expanding the horizons of what literature could be.
56.Jie (Limitation) - Boundaries and Fluidity: The porous boundaries of consciousness and perspective, a dance of diffusing minds and myriad viewpoints.
57.Xun (The Gentle, Wind) - Joyce's Writing Style: The gentle breeze of Joyce's prose, a zephyr that carries the reader through the labyrinthine streets of Dublin and the equally complex corridors of the human psyche.
58.Dui (The Joyous, Lake) - Joycean Humour: The humour that pervades Joyce's work, a joyous lake where even the most serious of themes can find their lighter reflections.
59.Huan (Dispersion, Dissolution) - Fragmented Narratives: The fragmented narratives, each a droplet in the vast ocean of Joyce's storytelling, dispersing yet ultimately converging to form a cohesive whole.
60.Jie (Limitation) - Constraints and Liberties in Joyce's Work: The limitations Joyce imposed upon himself, whether it be the constraints of a single day in "Ulysses" or the liberties he took with language, each a calculated choice that defines the boundaries of his art.
61.Zhong Fu (Inner Truth) - The Interior Monologues: The interior monologues, a window into the inner truths of his characters, revealing their fears, hopes, and complexities.
62. Xiao Guo (Small Exceeding) - The Details in Joyce's Work: The meticulous details, each a small exceeding of ordinary observation, that collectively elevate Joyce's work into a masterpiece of nuance.
63.Ji Ji (After Completion) - The Legacy of Joyce: The legacy that Joyce leaves behind, a world forever changed, a narrative forever complete yet endlessly open to interpretation.
64.Wei Ji (Before Completion) - The Reader's Journey: The reader's journey through Joyce's work, a path that is never truly complete, for each reading reveals new layers, new insights, and new questions.