Creativity, Competition & Society

In all of the reading I've done of late, one thing keeps getting drummed into my head. In our world today, there is only a small window of opportunity that exists, for most of us, to either make it or not. Michael Lewis, in his book "Next", compares today's marketplace success stories to athletes. Most athletes are in their prime for only a few years, after which they become uncompetitive. He had a very good point when he brought up comparisons between athletes and young innovators. On the other hand, Lawrence Lessig's "Free Culture" brings up how the establishment is constantly putting restraints on any new, up and coming competition to the status quo; they inflict their will upon those who try to use the tools and materials that have been created to produce something new. In short, they seek to stifle progress.
Where is the classic renaissance human to go in a world that sees cut-throatism at either end of the age spectrum? The powers that be don't want you to succeed, let alone exist because of what you represent, while the younger generation is hot on your heels, seeking to undo you as well.
The creative class is a dynamic group. To be a member is to know that there will always be strife in your personal life, whether internal or external. It's not a comfortable spot to be in. It is the spot I've chosen, however, and I do not seek ways to fit in to regular society. Indeed, I actively seek not being assimilated altogether. Not that I buy all of that anarchy nonsense either.
I feel, however, that society, polite society, prefers that we find our place and stay put. When your soul prefers not to stay still, society is uncomfortable. When you try to stay still, your soul stirs and becomes restless.
I suppose this might explain the amount of antidepressants dispensed today. It also explains why I choose not to take them.