Is it safe to say that genius equals some level of mental illness?

Question

John Nash suffered from schizophrenia. Ernest Hemingway suffered from severe depression. Issac Newton suffered from bipolar disorder. Van Gogh also suffered from bipolar disorder. Sylvia Plath suffered from severe depression as well as Virginia Woolf. All of these people were brilliant in their own rights. Is it safe to say that the smarter and more creative you are, the more likely you are to suffer from a mental illness?

I ask this because a friend and I were discussing this topic the other day, and she seems to think that my personality disorder is caused my high intelligence.

Answer 1

*shrugs* They say there's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have noticed ONE thing though...

It seems the higher the intelligence, the less people you relate to , which could cause isolation, which could lead to depression and social anxiety disorder. Because it's been MY experience, that the higher the intelligence of the people I meet, the more eccentric and withdrawn they are. But this may not be the norm.
I myself, have a high intelligence, and I hate most people. I am a misanthrope. I stay to myself because at least that way I'm not frustrated with dealing with the rest of this god awful society and it's lack of intelligence. So, if you wanna call that a mental illness, then I guess you could add that data to your hypothesis.

Answer 2

Interesting question.

I think that genius and mental capabilities are subjective terms. They do go hand in hand, but their relation is different for everyone. Some people see the mental illness as the sole contributor to their intelligence. Others argue that their genius overpowers their mental illness.

It's so strange how some of the most reputable figures in history possessed these mental disorders. I think that I am intelligent and introspective.

I have a social anxiety disorder. I feel threatened by strangers and I am constantly wondering. It takes me a while to open up to people because I can be reserved at first. Maybe my lack of social ties has caused me to be more observant in my spare time. I just don't know. I do have some friends, but for a girl at my age, I should be out there, "living it up," so to speak. I'm not a bar hopper or a clubber. Perhaps I can't exactly relate to my peers. I'm just not a "party girl."

Maybe all of this will change in the future. I think I'm still finding myself. From the looks of it... I have a long way to go.

Answer 3

They have some research & stories but Sylvia Plath's poetry is the worst I've ever read Van Gogh lived in poverty all his life does it matter what illness he had?? Ernest Hemingway was an alcoholic alcohol is a depressant good writer though Mental illness doesn't make anyone creative you are creative despite mental illness psychiatrists might agree with you but I do not

Answer 4

The more intelligent you are the more problems and questions you ponder. I have always thought that genius and insanity are two different backyards and each genius must walk the fence top all of his life. Some fall off on the wrong side, especially when they are heavily drugged. Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night (which hangs over my bed) I recently found out is said to have been painted while he was hospitalized and under heavy medication, anti-psychotics and sedatives. I still left it hanging there though!! He's my favorite "tortured" artist.

Answer 5

I say ignorance is bliss. Don't take this wrong, but dumb people tend to enjoy life more because they don't have the mental capacity to challenge what they see or debate the twists in life. Intelligent and creative people are always peeling the onion another layer, they are more complex and they see life's complexities also. This can cause depression and "odd" views and outlooks which others either ignore or find disturbing. I have a theory that really intelligent people like to be alone. Although relationships bring them joy and people may intrigue them, most of the time they find other folks annoying or stupid and prefer their own thoughts.

Answer 6

I had a discussion like this the other day with a friend, except it was about the link between intelligence and addiction.

I feel that extremely intelligent and creative people have a lot of frustration in their lives. They are often much smarter than those around them, and frustrated at our slow paced dumbed down society, or have so much creativity that they are unable to find the proper outlets for it all. This leads to depression, drug use, and mental illness.

Of course this is all just my opinion...I would love to see a study on it.

Answer 7

I'm reading a book by Cliff Pickover,and he suggest the same thing in one of his books.
If you have time check out his website.

Cliff Pickover's RealityCarnival.com

Answer 8

Please define "genius".
There are some people who are "savants" and they do have some sort of mental handicap as a rule. But in my opinion genius is not synonymous with mental health.

But I still would like to know YOUR definition of genius.

Answer 9

yes border line on it.{insane}