> It’s important to think outside the box, and that’s easier when you’re not aware of the box

I don't think so. If you are not aware of the box, there is a much greater chance for you to be well within the box and not realizing it. By that, I mean that either you rediscovered something, or you are wrong in the same way as many others before you. By chance, you may find something new and unexpected, but that's more of an exception than the rule.