Describing the creative activities of a young scientist, the author observes that they begin with regressive moves in which the thinking entails much conflict-laden material. However, the creative mode dominates and is carried out by 'non-regressive movements'. Sonnenfeld-Schiller elaborates this idea in his concept of the nature of the 'igniting sparks', which consist of one from 'above' (the actual scientific realm) and one from 'below' (the infantile wish). Why this process results in true creativity rather than in some form of neurotic stalemate remains unanswered.