Believe it or not, the man who wrote the song God Bless America was born in Russia! That’s right, Irving Berlin, one of America’s greatest songwriters, didn’t move to America until he was five years old.

Berlin wrote some of America’s favorite songs, including the best-selling record of all time: White Christmas. And, after God Bless America became a much-loved patriotic hit, he realized that he would earn millions of dollars as its songwriter. But Berlin didn’t want to make money on a song that he’s written as a way of saying “thank you” to his adopted homeland. So, he gave all his royalties to the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of New York City.

Irving Berlin was a very creative person. And you’ve been blessed with creativity, too. So keep searching for your own particular talent, and keep practicing. When you do, you’re sure to make your world a better place . . . just like Irving Berlin!

Quotes About Creativity

“Create and be true to yourself.”
Duke Ellington

“The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw the bad ones away.”
Linus Pauling

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.”
Edwin Land

“Inspiration usually comes during work, rather than before it.”
Madeleine L’Engle

“Creative people have to be fed from the divine source.”
Johnny Cash