Creativity: Where does it come from?

A few days off from this site sometimes helps...  I just entered another short story contest and looked over some of the files that I have saved on different flash drives and computers over the last decade.  I am still amazed that I wrote so much just for myself while working and working on a master's degree in English literature.  But that is what I did. The files make it plain.  I just have to ask myself why I can do this kind of work when so many of my colleagues and friends feel pinched for time.

I think I got it.  A friend pointed out that there is an article on how they are now trying to grow creativity in our society.  There is serious concern that we as a culture are losing our ability to be creative.  I wonder about this.  I don't think that creativity can be taught.  It is innate, like having a certain taste for a kind of food or hobby.  If I am creative in any way, it is because I took the time to be on my own and contemplate what I was doing.  If you have looked at my profile, you will see that I am interested in just a few things: guitar-playing, music, film, running, etc.  But I devote most of my free time wholly to these things.  I don't like parties and nightclub; bars are a bore; and I can live the rest of my life not knowing who won which professional sports contest. 

I also have to add a note here about technology.  I have to use the computers at the library and college office where I work in order to post these messages.  My last laptop broke down and I am in no mood to put myself through the same nightmares I have relived again and again.  As you can guess, I have no iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Kindle or other portable device to really distract me (mp3s and flash disks do not count).
If I could, I would write this by hand (yeah, I still like letters).

So, that is where my creativity comes from: less toys and distractions, more privacy and silent work.  Where do you get yours?