If too much time is spent outside the box, is it possible that one could find it hard to get back inside?

Question

Is this a possible reason that can lead to eccentricity?

...or even maybe to a complete detachment from reality?

I knew I left the question a bit too vague, and I didn't want to leave too many clues because I wanted to see how people would interpret my question in their own different ways.

Of course, some of saw the relation to this question to the now popular saying, “Thinking outside the box”. Thinking outside the box is very much related to creativity and innovative thinking and this is seen as very good traits to have, especially in this very competitive era. The ability to think outside the box is what differentiates a select few from the masses.

But my question actually tackles the sociological aspects of people who dedicate their entire lives being consistently outside the box, in fields such as arts, philosophy and all the sciences known in this world. My career as an architect requires exactly this – that I put myself in various new vantage points from which I could imagine or create new or different kind of forms and spaces, something that would mark my designs as unique, creative, etc. Inspiration is something that we cannot really control. Sometimes ideas come to us in the weirdest of times. And they also sometimes follow you back home to where you live in a life of family and friends.

And this is where my question comes in. I have found, on many occasion, that I live in a world of my own, where sometimes even my husband struggles to bring me back down to reality. Sometimes, I cringe to admit, it would take me a while to hear the call of my own daughter, trying to get my attention.

I have read several life stories of famous artists and thinkers over the history, which although having achieved glory in their respective fields, their life outside that field sometimes seem tragic and devoid of the many other things that life has to offer. Love, for instance. Is there a relationship to this all? That one would be so self-absorbed that they somehow neglect other more normal aspects of their lives? Can one so detached from the people around him return safely within the comforts of normal human relationship?

Thus, my question. And thank you so much for those who have moved to answer.

Answer 1

I've often shared that thought myself. That's a common pattern I've seen in past creative types. They got too far outside their box so they could pursue their work, that they lost it and never could get back in. John Forbes Nash Jr. (mathematician) had to go outside the box to find solutions to the biggest problems of his day, and he became schizophrenic and delusional for a good portion of his life before remission. That same pattern can be seen in other mathematicians, and in artists and musicians. Or, if they don't completely lose the box, they spend so much time outside of it, that they can never find the door to get back in, or the door reseals like a cut heals on skin. If they ever did want to get back in, they'd only be able to stay near the edge of the box, yet still on the outside. The only solution would be for someone inside the box to come and bring them in, but those in the box are reluctant to come out or even look out. Some don't need to go out, some never need to come back. You'll get lost anyway whichever side you're on.

Answer 2

First, on each and every occasion there's a surprising substitute in habit, evaluate that that's a scientific problem. Take your cat to the veterinarian for a good examination. confirm to tell your veterinarian concerning the domicile-soiling problem. if your cat gets a sparkling invoice of well-being, indexed under are some issues you could evaluate: muddle cleanliness: verify which you do shop the muddle field very sparkling. Cats are sparkling animals and a few could choose their field meticulous. this could recommend scooping a million-2 circumstances on a daily basis and/or changing the entire textile each and every 3-4 days. muddle field region: verify around the place the muddle field is to verify that there is not something concerning the region that the cat could detect an issue. this may be a noisy equipment, human beings strolling by means of, the canine drawing close, close by toddlers enjoying, or different cats in the companion and young toddlers. Disharmony between housemates: In a house with distinctive cats, there may be diffused underlying tensions that could make various of cats stressful. this could lead on directly to non-muddle field utilization. persevered use of one particular textile: if your cat has been removing exterior of the muddle field for it sluggish, it could have more advantageous a decision for yet another textile to boot muddle. in case you think of that's the case, seek for suggestion out of your veterinarian for help or a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or an utilized animal behaviorist.

Answer 3

This question really scared me because I felt it really spoke to me.

"Too much" already implies that you've gone past a limit--in this case it's being able to get back inside the box. And yes, it is possible. Sometimes we think so much we can easily arrive at different answers (especially when there is no right answer) but we can just as easily lose sight of the "normal" way of doing things. Beauty often comes in understanding how you're different, not just realizing that you are different. Thanks for asking a really tough question. I love these types.

Answer 4

Huh.....sounds like Complexity and Contradiction by Venturi.
Or maybe space and anti-space?

I believe the box is the personal reality that we are blind to see because we spend too much time in superficiality.
Yes maybe when you accept your truth is a little late and you can't get back (inside to it).

Answer 5

It is possible. Once out of his box, one sees a totally new environment. Maybe at first it's just another venture. One that feeds his ego. One that's just exciting. But his prolonged comfort and sense of fulfillment may eventually lure him into investing his life on this new world. Finding out that this world outside his box promises more stabilization and reassurances, he may not want to get back into his old box anymore. And even if failures and set-backs get in the course along the way, he may hold on to his pride and hang on to his adopted principles...and still not get back.

Answer 6

If you are outside the box you are a manager. If you are inside the box you are a worker.
Its better outside the box even if you dont belong there - like many managers

Answer 7

Maybe the "outside" of the box becomes the "inside" and vice versa?

Answer 8

To get outside the box is the ultimate goal. Just ask THX-1138.

Answer 9

Most definitely, once you're out, you can't get back. It's a one way door, my friend. No complaints though, there are deeper thoughts outside the box.

Answer 10

in a world ware folks are kidding themselves, and their leaders are promoting falshoods, and people are acting like they believe it. being outside the box often means one is truer smarter, and better ideas, being alone in that is your own evidance that inside the box is not the place to be.