Abstract Incubation refers to a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon in which one discovers an important insight for solving a problem or an idea for a creative work, not while working on the problem, but rather, after putting the problem aside. A typical work ethic would state that resolving impasses requires us to redouble our efforts, to try harder and work longer, and yet the insights provided by this peculiar incubation phenomenon seem to depend on taking a break from one's work.
