<p>The question “Do closed doors make us creative?” suggests that in certain situations, obstacles and hindrances could very well bolster our creativity and bring forth our innovative ability. In my opinion, closed doors and other hindrances do in fact make us creative, awakening our latent ingenuity and bringing us to our full innovative potential. </p>
<p>Consider the case of the unnamed protagonist in Ayn Rand’s dystopian story, Anthem, set in a post-apocalyptic era of societal regression and governmental tyranny. Confined by the tyrannical government to the most servile and menial jobs at the bottom of society, the protagonist strives to break free of his shackles and pursue his true passion --invention. The shackles that the corrupt government imposed on the protagonist only intensified his desire for artistic expression, kindling in the protagonist a burning thirst for innovative experimentation and awakening the protagonist’s inventor’s instincts. His passion overflowing, the protagonist inevitably overcomes the obstacles created by the tyrannical government and against all odds, reintroduces a groundbreaking and revolutionary innovation to a broken society: the light bulb. Although placed in a difficult situation with trying obstacles to overcome, the protagonist actually managed to break his creative barriers and grasp full possession of the innate, god-given gift of the inventor’s mind. The closed doors in the protagonist’s anti-utopian world ultimately unlocked a higher level of creative thinking and artistic expression. </p>
<p>Also, take note of prominent historical figure of the Italian Renaissance, Niccolo Machiavelli. Author of the widespread and deeply controversial book of political philosophy, “The Morals of the Prince,” Machiavelli presented his sharply cynical ideas of human nature and outlined the power ways of the effective ruler through the use of undisguised realism. Controversially denouncing the widely held principles of honesty and integrity, Machiavelli revolutionized the politics of Renaissance Italy and even the governments of modern society. A stark realist, Machiavelli could not have authored such revolutionary ideas that would prevail for centuries to come, if not for the haunting experiences and emotionally-wracking obstacles that plagued him in the years before his authoring of “The Prince.” Traumatized by barbaric torture and victimized by coercive “interrogation,” Machiavelli witnessed firsthand the darkness of human nature, an experience that undeniably shaped the prevailing ideas in “The Morals of the Prince.” These traumatizing obstacles kindled Machiavelli’s radical political philosophy and might even be described as the birth of Machiavellian legacy. For Machiavelli, the horrors of human nature formed a “closed door” that inspired him to formulate his radical new ideas. </p>
<p>Clearly, the above examples demonstrate the necessity of closed doors for artistic liberation and the elevation of the creative mind. Only by overcoming the harsh impositions of a tyrannical government could the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s Anthem attain a level of innovative mastery enough to transform society. The cruel obstacles that haunted Machiavelli inspired him to formulate ingenious political policies rooted in cynicism and realism, while posing fundamental questions into human nature that haunt society even today. The harsh tribulations of everyday life breed “innovators” capable of exploring the infinite possibilities that the universe holds in store.</p>