Creativity is one of humanity's most distinctive abilities and enduring mysteries. Innovative ideas and solutions have enabled our species to survive existential threats and thrive. Yet, creativity cannot be necessary for survival because many species that do not possess it have managed to flourish far longer than humans. So what drove the evolutionary development of creativity? A neuroimaging study points to an answer.

The study, published in NeuroImage, discovered that, in some people, creative insights, colloquially known as "aha moments," trigger a burst of activity in the brain's reward system - the same system which responds to delicious foods, addictive substances, orgasms and other basic pleasures. (1)

But why would that be rewarding?

Why would nature care about creativity?

See the obvious.

There is nothing special about creation.

As there is nothing special about death.

You were not here to be smart.

We are not here to be creative.

Monkeys are creative.

We are here to see all these possibilities.

And sit back.

Go on. Ask.

Why would anything be rewarding?

(Can you see the reward in asking?)