Saturday 29 August 2009

Psychosanology, psychopathology and genius

Geniuses are invaluable to society. They are the diamonds amongst the mass of coal. They stand out in history because their achievements significantly impact the consensus. They are always different and original, though this may be a factor of recognition as much as difference (geniuses that work within the construct and impact it significantly but within the paradigm of consensus thought, systems and methods may be less likely to be recognised in history). Their value to society is without measure.

But they are usually mentally ill. Geniuses show the traits of a number of psychiatry disorders. Different ones in different catgories and to different levels of severity. It may be that their eccentric behaviours are allowable because of their talent but it is probably that their eccentric behaviours are part of their talent.

The loneliness of genius may be a factor. It takes a lot of time working and usually working alone for the work of genius. Perfectionism can lead to depression, anxiety and low self esteem however it is a necessary trait for certain areas where genius is expressed, for example in art. The dogged pursuit of their own ideas in the face of the consensus truth is almost a personality disorder in itself.

Upon diagnosis using the cluster of symptoms approach of modern psychiatry the behaviours, thoughts and moods become treated. This is the paradigm of physical medicine. An individual might therefore recieve medication or psychotherapy or another form of therapy. These will solve the illness, but will they spoil the good.

Very simply put the question we are discussing here is whether good things comes from bad things or bad things have a purpose.

Can the experiences that are pathologised by psychiatry have importance and value. Could treatment of the experiences observed by psychiatry to be illness and unwantd be part of genius? Could treating these experiences, changing them and reducing their intensity, without understand of their purpose and potential be detrimental and inhibit the development of indivudals, society and civilisation? Could psychiatry be reducing the production of better people through life's experiences? And is that also true of human compassion in general?

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About Me

We It comes in part from an appreciation that no one can truly sign their own work. Everything is many influences coming together to the one moment where a work exists. The other is a begrudging acceptance that my work was never my own. There is another consciousness or non-corporeal entity that helps and harms me in everything I do. I am not I because of this force or entity. I am "we"