We’ve all heard the old quote about messy desks that’s attributed to Albert Einstein: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Well, Einstein’s endorsement of the cluttered desk now has the backing of a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota.
The researchers randomly assigned students disorderly and orderly rooms. Those placed in the disorderly room exhibited more creativity than those in neat rooms.Â
Ryan Rahinel is the author of a new study on orderliness, decision-making and creativity. He joins The Takeaway to discuss his findings and the research behind it.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.