Can TRUE genius exists without insanity ,even a little ?
By ronnyb
@ronnyb (6113)
Jamaica
February 10, 2009 11:09am CST
Case in point ,Michael Jackson and Vincent Van Goh. The eccentricities of these men are well known ,yet they are all masters in their respective areas .Now I am wondering if these persons behaved “normally “ would they be able to do the extraordinary things they have done .Don’t get me wrong I am not justifying their behavior but I cant help but wonder if inspiration and insanity (within limits of course ) don’t go hand in hand. Would Vincent be able to paint as passionately as he did if he didn’t feel things on a different level and would Michael be the entertainer he is without be able to summon the inner child ,which many claim is a very creative phase in our lives ?
So do you agree ,should we put up with the eccentricities of people like Michael because they cant be helped or should we shun them as weird and freaks of nature ? .Or do you think there can be genius without the eccentricity and by genius I mean exceptional talent ,total mastery of ones craft.
6 people like this
12 responses
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Many people are quite eccentric. We don't notice until those eccentricities are put in front of us, as in the case of celebrities. Crazy old Uncle Will isn't ever going to be famous, so only the family knows the eccentrities that we'd call craziness in a more public figure.
Of course, there's a flip side to that. When one becomes famous, the public can be much like vultures, tearing at bits and pieces of the person for a little reflected glory. Celebs often become increasingly insecure as they realize how many of the people in whom they placed their trust are really only after their fame and/or money. They can't help wondering if anyone is honest about caring for them. That makes one hugely lonely, as well as distrustful. Insanity grows like a weed under such circumstances...
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
I think all those who have great ideas have been considered a little insane one time or another since what they are thinking doesn't conform to the norms of the time. I think that's why we humans were able to progress a lot in life because we have great minds that think. 
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
11 Feb 09
Great perspective I agree because if I remember correctly when Galileo said that the world was round against the popularly held "flat earth" he was ridiculed even considered a blasphemist.Thank you for this view I didnt even look at it like this.Thank you for your answer.
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
Hi ronnyb! I guess, these people have excelled in their crafts because they defy a lot of norms in the society and we can say that they are not the regular guys who please and obey the standards of the society as a whole. I guess, they followed their imagination as well as their hearts and wouldn't listen to what society dictates. Maybe, to them we are the one suffering from insanity! lol 
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
10 Feb 09
Hi ronnyb, Some very interesting points here and I think you are right. I was reading about that sort of thing a few days ago and it seems that genius and insanity are closely linked. Many of the greatest men and women in history also had their deranged side. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Yes, and it does. You have to have a sane mind to be genius. Someone who is crazy could not possibly be genius, and crazy people don't do intelligent things. And if ever you think they are doing something really genius, they will prove it was just dumb luck, by throwing poo at you, and slithering on the ground saying they are snakes.
1 person likes this
@RockCollector59 (325)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Good discussion. All of us are a little off I think.We all do thing that don't fit in. That is one of the reasons it is so nice to meet people.you forgot about Albert einstein. He would not wear shocks.Yes that was bear feet under those shoes. I don't like the ideal of shunning people for being off but,in the case of Michael (and i just know what i have seen on TV)he may and i say may have done some things that can not be allowed to happen. no one can hurt a child.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Genius is an eccentricity.There has always been a fine line between genius and madness.Artist see the world differently, period. The way they act Should be different. If we try to make our artists behave as we do, it will be the end of art.Many look at how an artist acts and deem them insane, and that will never change.
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
MJ isn't a genius!!! I think that most geniuses are misunderstood though. Their thoughts go beyond what normal human beings could comprehend, making them appear "insane" to us normal folks. So my answer to your question is NO. It cannot happen. Geniuses will always be a bit strange.
@deborahkat (519)
• Brazil
11 Feb 09
There are people out there that are not famous and have heir eccentricities. I think everybody has a bit inside of them. But when you are famous is easier to see. And you have to see that all of those people that are genius or something like that had to give up on some things in their lives to have other things. Like Mj that couldn´t have a normal childhood. Imagine how a person with no childhood being in front of millions judging them will grow old. Problem is that people judge before knowing the real truth.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
11 Feb 09
I guess that the truly creative who exist for their passions probably are considered eccentric by everyone else who does not relate with their gifts. My grandmother used to have a neighbour who was considered a genius by his parents and teachers but he had trouble functioning in society; he could not even check if he had been given the right change in the store; yet he could go home and write the most magnificent pieces of music! I do think that this kind of passion is felt on a different level and that is what makes the likes of Van Goh; he saw and felt very distinctly from everyone else and Michael Jackson, well... there's a good chance he may be just weird! There is a fine line between genius and insanity! (LOL)
@killhawaii (112)
• United States
11 Feb 09
depends on what type of insanity are we talking about. Insanity in regards to their areas of expertise or plain old insanity where they should go to the mental hospital and be taken care off?
@VorTy01 (36)
• Romania
11 Feb 09
Why not ? I'm not insane !
hehe, joking :P
I think a genius can exist without insanity. I believe that the most influential is the entourage, if your friends, family, take good care of you and don't let you walk on a wrong road, I think it's all going to be fine and your brain will work as usual :P
