I've been doing some research on the "creative class" and have become increasingly aware of the characteristics that make a city more conducive to creative activity. I've always associated big business, innovation, and my role as a top executive with big city life (like the leading ladies in the movies - new york, l.a., london, paris, etc).

But a friend of mine (who is adamant about staying in Manhattan, Kansas) says, "you don't need a huge city to do huge business ... you just need a couple 30" apple displays ... a sweet computer, fast internet and an awesome apartment."

It makes me wonder. How much of this "big city" mentality is actually invoking change and how much of it is a facade to make us feel like the chaos is a direct effect of our contributions to bringing transformation? I mean, 10 million people in one county can create a lot of noise, but what's actually happening? On the contrary, how much can really happen when the culture is inherently slow ... what does that do to a visionary or a creative?

I'm curious ...

In which environment are you most creative?