What Did You Do In Lockdown?

Throughout history moments of isolation have created huge achievements.

Nov 10, 2024

What did you do during lockdown? Some of us may have started a blog, and others may have written a book. You are not alone; throughout history, remarkable discoveries have been made during lockdown times.

Amongst my writer friends, Edward Anderson and I started Crimebeat on Medium, and Karen Shelton wrote a book and planned a new social site.

I have already discussed how Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein whilst confined to a house during terrible weather.

Pandemics or political crises can trigger lockdowns. These times have produced some remarkable artistic, scientific, and cultural achievements. Here are a few notable creations and developments that emerged during lockdowns throughout history

The Black Death, which lasted from 1347 - 1351, was considered one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, with millions of people dying. During the Great Plague of London, Isaac Newton was forced to leave Cambridge University and retreat to his family home in Woolsthorpe.

This period of isolation, known as his "Annus Mirabilis" (Year of Wonders), led to some of the most groundbreaking scientific work in history. He developed the following theories:

Theory of Gravitation: While observing an apple fall, he conceived the foundational ideas of gravity.
Development of Calculus: Newton began formulating calculus, a crucial mathematical framework still used today.
Optics: He conducted experiments with light, which led to his theory that white light is composed of various colours.

Almost a hundred years earlier, theatres were closed during an outbreak of the bubonic plague in London, leading to enforced isolation for William Shakespeare. In this period, he wrote some of his greatest tragedies, including:

King Lear
Macbeth
Antony and Cleopatra

These masterpieces were created amid anxiety and uncertainty, capturing power, ambition, and human frailty themes.

While confined in a hotel during the Spanish Civil War, Ernest Hemingway worked on several novels, including For Whom the Bell Tolls, which explores themes of love, war, and personal sacrifice during times of crisis.

During the plague of Athens in 430BCE, which devastated Athens by killing one-third of the population, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius started journalling.

The book would be published after his death as one of the significant Stoic pieces of literature, Meditations.

Despite their challenges, Lockdowns have often stimulated individuals to create extraordinary works across art, science, and culture, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for creativity and discovery.

We can use this mentality in today's world and, no matter what obstacle we face, turn it into an opportunity to move forward with our goals.

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Until next week, stay safe

Sam 😊

Opportunities are grains of sand. They slide right past drooping fingers, but an active palm can gather whatever is within reach and shape it into a little castle. It is the act of engaging with the material that gives it shape. - James Clear