Angus Fletcher

Human intelligence functions primarily through story-based thinking rather than logical computation. By engaging with the world through narrative—specifically by identifying anomalies and imagining new possibilities—individuals can cultivate intuition and anti-fragility. The U.S. Army’s Special Operations training, particularly the Robin Sage program, exemplifies this by teaching recruits to abandon rigid standard operating procedures in favor of creative, adaptive problem-solving during volatile situations. This approach mirrors the artistic process, where individuals must resist the urge to label experiences and instead lean into surprise to expand their imaginative capacity. Integrating past traumas—grief and shame—into a coherent life narrative provides the necessary momentum to navigate uncertainty. Ultimately, creativity serves as a vital tool for fighting for what matters, allowing individuals to transcend rigid systems and forge unique, purposeful paths in an unpredictable world.