After reviewing different sociologists who have highlighted the importance of originality for creativity, this article will analyse the conflict between generations and the social continuity-change alternation that generates and constitutes the engine of creativity. To do this, the etymology of the concept of 'originality' is investigated in order to find the basic terms with which it is associated. As will be seen, specifically, it does so with the words origin and originary, which merge in the creative process, establishing a temporary narrative in which the past, present and future are interrelated. This temporary narrative takes shape in modern society and culture - especially in art, science, democracy and capitalism, four of the most prominent creations of the period - with the first modernity distinguished by its evolution from childhood or youthful creativity towards decrepitude, and the second by decline. Finally, the article concludes that creativity is defined by originality because it builds a historical narrative, and because it can help eliminate the confusion of the present; that the childhood and youth of the creators are linked to generational conflict; and that the first modernity constitutes a childish or youthful period, while the second is defined by generalised physical, cultural and social decline.
