Thought this was a pretty good question. It was in my text book. They go on to discuss persons such as Einstein and Van Gogh, who were considered "eccentric", but contributed greatly to society. I never thought about that before. I think, every case is different, and it all depends on the situation. Also, I wouldn't consider the eccentric nature's of Van Gogh and Einstein to be severe psychological problems...although I should probably do my research before saying that. lol
2006-09-28 05:58:06 · 8 answers · asked by LibraT 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Better question should be...
Should a perfectly rational sane person take advice from a whack job? (Im kidding)
But seriously...
Many of the most creative and intelligent people in the world were considered mentally ill..
Personally, I don't see a problem with it far past the fact that I also question the doctors passing out the diagnosis. Some people are just different... not crazy. I used to receive advise from my patients that I worked with all the time... It never bothered me if they were ill. sometimes, you have to use your wisdom and determine for yourself what is use full and what isn't above and beyond what is just popular mainstream acceptance.
2006-09-28 06:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"give useful advice to others" seems the wrong phrase here, as that's not what your two examples did. Einstein was a scientist, Van Gogh an artist. They didn't "give advice" as such.
Of course some people who are "different" will come up with things other people don't.
People in general are narrow-minded about what everyone should be like, and ignorant and intolerant of much of the natural variation there is among people.
I think it's good that we aren't all identical, but, though many give lip service to this idea, they despise those who differ from them.
2006-09-28 12:47:22 · answer #2 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes Girlfriend We Can! I'm on meds and I make more sense then the so called norm! Don't let your psychological problems make you feel that you're not a part of the world. Look at people who are Autistic! They're smarter then some scientist! I don't give a fine f*ck about what people say about me! I never did even as a child. So do not sweat the madness! I just finished cussing out 2 racist on a previous question! And I feel numb as a board.
2006-09-28 06:03:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure everyone has lucid moments.
And Van Gogh's "eccentric nature" was depression and severe enough to make him commit sucide.
2006-09-28 06:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as president Bush is advising other countries as to conduct themselves . Either you are with us or against us. Isnt that a useful advice. Is he not eccentric, has he not contributed to the world peace.
2006-09-28 06:04:25 · answer #5 · answered by khayum p 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
generally, yes because they are more likely to understand how their own minds work and therefore possibly how others minds work. i would question what severe means... how severe? there is a point where a person would be incapable of giving useful advice.
2006-09-28 07:07:38 · answer #6 · answered by christy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think this is a great question. I gave you a "good question" vote. =]
I think they definetely give useful advice because their views are different.. All of the greatest scientists, artists, mathmaticians (etc..) thought outside of the box.
2006-09-28 06:01:04 · answer #7 · answered by stumble__replay 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
GREAT QUESTION. THUMBS UP!
YES. I THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER THAT IS OF VALUE TO SOMEONE.
PEOPLE COULD LEARN A LOT FROM CHILDREN IF THEY HAD MORE RESPECT FOR THEM, AND THEIR LACK OF EXPERIENCE. THINK ABOUT IT. THEY HAVE NOT YET LEARNED HOW TO LIE OR DECEIVE, AND THEY SAY WHAT'S ON THEIR MINDS.
I AGREE WITH YOU. IT'S ALL RELATIVE, HONEY.
2006-09-28 06:05:57 · answer #8 · answered by pandora the cat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋