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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Contents
By
Bryan Huynh
Key Takeaways
For hundreds of years and perhaps even longer, coffee has been thought of as an elixir for creative people. Famous artists used to gather at coffee cafés around France to discuss their newest works of art, their newest book, or their latest move. According to the article Café Culture in France on Culturetravel.com, many intellectual and social discussions were found nearly daily in French cafes in the 17th century. These cafes were the epicenter for people to gather, exchange ideas, take part in debates, and gain friends from the similar-minded allies that attended these gatherings.
As time passed, French cafes became areas where prominent people like Voltaire and Rousseau would engage in heated discussions over literary works and political movements. During the 1970s coffee houses on this side of the pond became increasingly popular. Coffee houses in San Francisco were the favorite hangouts of hippies, political groups, writers, and artists.
The coffee culture may have changed a bit today, because of the refined palette of coffee drinkers, but it continues to be a social environment that lends itself to creativity in many ways.
The coffee houses of the 17th century had become the center of intellectual gatherings. The first coffee house was in Venice, Italy. Caffe Florian opened in 1720, and it became the place to see and be seen by those who were involved in art and culture. It still stands today.
Due to the success of Caffe Florian as a gathering place, more cafes started popping up all over Europe. Cafés soon became the gathering place for many of the key leaders in modern art and literature, according to RoamingBeans.com.
The connection between coffee and creativity can be traced way back. For instance, Vincent van Gogh captured the lively atmosphere of a French café with his painting “Cafe Terrace at Night.” Mary Cassatt’s “Women with a Coffee Pot,” further showed the impact of coffee in their artworks.
Digging a bit deeper, Herman Melville’s character in Moby-Dick was named Starbuck, a name that we see on numerous street corners in most cities.
Samuel Beckett, a popular Irish writer, wrote many of his plays and novels while sitting in Paris Cafés. He was unprepared for a sudden idea for a play and wrote the entire play on a napkin in a café.
Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky were both known to gather at Vienna’s Café Central, where they would discuss their latest research and intellectual works.
San Francisco and the beginning of the Beat Generation were formed at several San Fran coffee shops.
Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac would gather at these locations frequently and share ideas, debate the political scene, and gain inspiration for their writing.
To sum up the connection between coffee and creative thinking from APA.org, the caffeine that coffee provides affects creative thinking. A research paper showed that those who consumed 200 mg of caffeine, the amount found in one 12-ounce cup of coffee, showed the ability to problem-solve at a higher level. So there are some benefits of consuming coffee and caffeine.
Coffee has long been a favorite beverage of those with creative sparks, going back many, many years.
According to EmergentBrew.com, people have been enjoying coffee since the 800s CE. Today, coffee is one of the most popular drinks across the globe, with 64% of adults in America enjoying at least one cup of coffee per day.
Coffee beans were found in the Ethiopian plateaus but quickly spread. There are historical accounts of monks drinking coffee in Mecca in the 15th century. From there, coffee beans were exported to different areas, where they became part of the lifestyle of those in Europe, Africa, Asia, and other key countries.
In 1714 European aristocrats began drinking coffee and King Louis XIV of France insisted that coffee beans be planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens. By 1763 Venice was importing coffee and nearly 200 coffee shops had sprung up 1763.
Coffeehouses have played a historical role as they have long been favorite gathering venues for intellectuals, artists, writers, and political activists, according to GarciaCoffee.com. Viennese coffee houses, Parisian cafes, and all around Europe thought leaders like Freud, Hemingway, Picasso, Dali, and others gathered to talk politics, plan revolutions, or discuss their latest works.
Some of these gatherings would be thought-provoking, but others could become heated, especially when politics were involved. No matter what the conversation, coffeehouses sparked creative thoughts that impacted the world of art, literature, and social change.
Throughout history, coffee has become a staple drink for most adults. Coffee transcends time and not much about coffee has changed, except for new blends and brews coming from single sources and decaf.
Here are some people throughout history who lived for their cup of coffee, per YourCoffeeSite.com.
As you can see, some of the most creative minds for hundreds of years have all loved coffee.
People drink coffee for many reasons, but many have found increased alertness and creativity when drinking coffee.
According to ScienceDirect.com, the caffeine in coffee raises plasma levels that block adenosine receptors and positively impacts the central nervous system, which impacts both cognitive and physical activities. It is drunk by many in occupational settings, sporting/leisure activities, and in the creative process because of the positive effects it has on cognitive and physical function.
It is believed that the pharmacology of caffeine helps cognitive function, which is perhaps the reason why so many historical figures and leaders indulged in coffee to enhance their creative abilities.
Many people will grab a cup of coffee when they have a long day of work or studying. A study recently found that those who consumed coffee were more alert and had faster responses to key questions after ingesting caffeine. Unlike tea, which has a more sedative effect, the caffeine found in coffee lends itself to increased alertness and focus, and of course, creative thinking, as the list above of coffee drinkers clearly illustrates.
Most people that enjoy coffee really enjoy coffee. So much so, that many are effusive in their love of this caffeine-laden drink:
While we know that cafes and coffeehouses are used to spark imagination and creativity, they continue to be a catalyst for forward-thinking and creative people.
The 21st century has seen the growth of coffee culture and technology has played a key role in that evolution. Today, we have smart coffee makers that will brew your coffee at a pre-arranged time, and even apps that will track your coffee consumption. Today, there are platforms and chat rooms designed for coffee lovers who share their love of coffee and knowledge.
Coffee lovers no longer have to be stuck drinking run-of-the-mill coffee. Single blends, where the beans are sourced, and the methods used for harvesting and roasting are hot topics for those who love coffee.
One thing is certain, with coffee clubs delivering coffee directly to the doors of coffee lovers, they can enjoy more different blends from across the world, according to BarisaInsights.com.
There is no question that coffee has and continues to play a role in the creative community. David Lynch, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others share their love of coffee.
The site WinWinCoffee.com, states that artists are making even new inroads when it comes to coffee in their artworks. Artists Ekaterina Panikanova and Hong Yi have begun using coffee stains in their artwork, taking the art and coffee connection to a new level.
Artists have found comfort in coffee as they reflect and gain solace, and perhaps get an idea for their newest sonnet, rock song, or sketch. The smell, process, flavor, and steam intertwine with creativity and trigger new artistic directions.
Go into any box or discount store, and you will find numerous photos, drawings, or paintings of coffee, coffee cups, and those enjoying their favorite cup of joe.
While coffee, and the accompanying caffeine, play a key role in sparking the creative juices of many artists, writers, and poets, some are even using the medium as a form of paint. From light to dark stains, artists Ekaterina Panikanova and Hong Yi are creating art by using coffee itself, using strong coffee in heavy layers for darker hues, and lighter brews for light hues.
Whether it is taking a daily coffee break or using coffee in historical rituals, there’s no end to how coffee is used by creative individuals.
For as long as there was a regimented workforce, there were coffee breaks. The thought was that these breaks would alleviate the doldrums of unending work. A coffee break was thought to restore the energy, attentiveness, and expediency of weary workers. In many cases, taking this short break for coffee has become synonymous with the workforce, and for good reason.
Coffee rituals have taken place forever. From the Ethiopian coffee rituals, Turkish coffee ground readings, Vietnamese coffee and egg combinations to Italian daily espresso, coffee has become a ritual for many people.
Creative minds also have rituals for their coffee-making techniques and consumption. CappuccinoOracle.com states that these common rituals are done by many connoisseurs:
Each person has their own ritual and routine when it comes to enjoying their favorite brew.
While Starbucks may try to reap the award for creating the coffeehouse workspace, cafes, and coffeehouses have been a key space for creatives for many years.
Starting with the cafes of the 1700s through the singalongs in the 1970s, coffeehouses have played a key role for those looking for ways to express their creativity.
Today, we have Starbucks and many other coffeehouses, that are not only used to spark their creative enlightenment but used as workspaces, meeting spots, and great places to do business. This became even more popular after the COVID-19 outbreak, with fewer people going into an office. The brand has become known as a place to conduct business meetings. They have paved the way not only with their coffee but also with free Wi-Fi, a necessity for anyone working remotely today.
Joining a subscription coffee club is a great way to try coffee that is not readily available; many love getting to try coffee from across the world.
True coffee enthusiasts love honing their palate by trying different types of coffee blends or single-sourced coffee to widen their coffee-drinking horizon. Those who enjoy coffee typically have a favorite roast or type of coffee. A coffee subscription club delivers a variety of unique coffees to you each month and is a great way to find out exactly what you like and enables the coffee lover to try coffees that aren’t available on store shelves. From small batch farms that take great care in their planting, harvesting, and roasting techniques, creating the perfect beverage to wake up to each morning or enjoy throughout the day.
For some creative people, they cannot get their day started without their favorite cup of coffee. Many rely on the caffeine in coffee to wake them up and start their creative juices flowing.
Joining a coffee club, which brings coffee to the door each month or week can be a great way to ensure they are never out of their favorite thought-inducing elixir. As they enjoy more different blends, some find that certain coffees will spur creativity and help them when they are looking for their next idea or image to express themselves.
A coffee club is a great idea not just for coffee enthusiasts that look to coffee as a creative outlet, but also for regular people that enjoy different types of coffee that would otherwise not be available to them.
Choosing a coffee club can be an arduous task for many. It can be confusing to determine which club will best meet your needs. The best thing to do is to get a list of the top coffee clubs from the internet and find which one best checks the boxes:
These are all things that you should know before you join a coffee subscription club.
Coffee clubs can be a great way to enhance your creativity at home, without going to the local coffee shop. Most research studies show that it is the caffeine in coffee that is responsible for enhancing creativity and artistic pursuits. So, instead of going to a noisy coffee shop, joining a coffee club can provide the same benefits in your home.
Some believe that choosing a bold blend of coffee high in caffeine is the answer to enhancing creativity, but it is an individual choice. The most important thing is joining a club that not only provides great coffee but enhances the entire experience.
Because so many coffee subscriptions provide coffee from regions all over the world, many will send information about the growing region, harvesting techniques, and other information to provide insight into where that coffee comes from. This can be the inspiration needed to spur the next classic work of art or novel.
The cafes and coffeehouses of yesterday and today are natural spots for people to gather and share ideas.
Going back to the 1700s in Italy and France, leaders in business, industry, politics, and the arts gathered at cafes to share ideas and gain inspiration. Artists would often share ideas with those who may be struggling to find inspiration. Many a brawl has happened when one artist thought another may have stolen his idea. Many political conversations have also occurred in quiet cafes that soon erupted with an exchange of ideas.
Today, we don’t see as many altercations, but coffee shops are still a hub for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and coming up with new creative and artistic ideas.
In the 1960s and early 1970s coffee houses were the places where Ginsberg, the father of acid Timothy Leary, and others gathered. All looking to expand their mind and increase their productivity and creativity.
In the early 2000s, many coffeehouses hosted singer/songwriter events, where upcoming artists could play an instrument and sing their latest tune. Many are still going strong today.
Today, our coffee shops are a place to gather, enjoy coffee, and discuss the day’s events.
Coffee houses today are open forums, where anyone can join in intellectual conversations, hold meetings, and spur creative thinking. They have been key hubs for many years and continue to be a melting pot for people from all walks of life to enjoy lively conversations while enjoying their favorite cup of coffee.
What started in the 1700s shows no signs of slowing down shortly.
Some of the most prolific musicians, composers, and artists have gathered in coffee houses to share ideas. From Dali to Hemingway and from Timothy Leary to Alan Ginsberg, some of the most prolific and successful creative minds have used café society to enhance their thoughts and enlighten them.
Today, many still look to popular coffee houses like San Francisco’s City Lights to bring new innovative thoughts to the table.
Those that are looking for an outlet for their creativity, need to stop at their nearest coffeehouse and enjoy a cup of coffee with all the caffeine.
Bryan Huynh
Product Tester & Writer
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Edited by:
Bryan Huynh
•
Product Tester & Writer
