Imagine having the job of encouraging all creative thought in people worldwide. Greek mythologists credit nine muses with doing just that. They believed that through song and stage the muses stimulated the creative process in artists and scientists alike.

   While many disagree with the existence of muses, or even that the arts and sciences are similar, there is a common thread. Whether it be writing a poem or studying the stars, the arts and sciences both attempt to reveal underlying truths about our lives. And each depend on creative thinking. Each song or scientific discovery changes and enlightens others, which in turn, inspires them.

   So, be it mythological or personal, muses do change the world and they motivate others to do the same.

   Homer: Much like the muses, some argue his existence. Homer is attributed with writing the Illead and the Odyssey. His works are universally praised for their poetic genius. His work even inspired Dr. Sam!

   Walt Whitman: Whitman found a love for words while working at a printing press in the 1820's. He vowed to be a poet. And while he worked many different jobs during his life, Whitman continually worked on educating himself, editing, and printing his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which included many poems about the civil war. Whitman is known as one of the most influential American poets.

   Benjamin Banneker: Banneker was also self-taught. He was a pio - neering African American inventor, scientist, and mathematician. He studied stars and constellations and devised a way to predict solar eclipses. His abilities led him to create an almanac in 1792. In addition to making the calculations himself, it included information about the time of eclipses, weather forecasts, the hours of sunrise and sunset, holidays, and much more. It became a popular resource for Americans.

   Gilbert & Sullivan: This Victoria era duo created 14 comic operas that are still performed widely today. The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado are among the most popular. Their works even influenced political discourse, literature, film, and television. Most importantly, the collaboration introduced innovations in content and form that paved the way for modern musical theatre.

  

  A. Terpsichore: The Muse of dance and chorus. Usually holding a lyre.

   B. Urania: The Muse of astronomy. Usually seen holding a globe.

   C. Clio: The Muse of history. Usually seen holding a scroll.

   D. Calliope: The Muse of eloquence and epic poetry. Usually seen holding a tablet.

   Answer: Urania
art courtesy karenswhimsy.com