Creative people have to be fundamentally egoistic. This may sound pompous, but it happens to be the truth. People who live their lives watching what goes on around them, trying not to make waves, and looking for the easy compromise are not going to be able to do creative work, whatever their field. To build something where there was nothing requires deep individual concentration, and in most cases that kind of concentration occurs in a place unrelated to cooperation with others, a place we might even call dämonisch.
Haruki Murakami argues that creativity demands a certain level of egoism. This may seem arrogant, but it's essential for those engaged in creative pursuits. Individuals who conform to societal norms, avoid conflict, and seek easy compromises are typically unable to produce innovative work, regardless of their profession.
To create something new from nothing requires intense focus and often solitary contemplation. This level of concentration is generally found far from collaborative environments and can even be described as dæmonisch, highlighting the intrinsic individuality needed for true creativity.
