Well, I don't know about you, but I'm relieved! - Danielle White's Blog

John Dryden observed in 1681 that "Great wits are sure to madness near allied, And thin partitions do their bounds divide," echoing the observation made centuries ago by the philosopher Aristotle that madness and genius seem to go hand in hand. In this cultural tradition, we often believe that the mental illnesses of great poets are simply a condition of their own artistic genius. "We poets in our youth begin in gladness; but thereof comes in the end despondency and madness." ~ William Wordsworth ~Why might creative people be prone to such dementia? Perhaps it is the fact that their subject is the world of experience itself, reflected through their creations. Perhaps in some cases it is the unceasing pressure and stress that is the nature of celebrity. In their attempt to tell the truth as they see it, poets may find pain, yet their craft itself might offer one way to lend them power over that pain.

Andrew Crisci Date: 11/18/2009 12:46:00 AM Yes, Danielle all the above poets made truthful and powerful statement as they saw themselves in the light of their own creativity. A genius may experience a temporary madness...all the great ones have, sometimes, experienced this; but this is not mental madness, but an overwhelming and sudden burst of ideas, which forces the artist to choose the most appealing theme. Sometimes a genius must deal with these wits to make sense of his/her own madness (concrete thinking ). No poet, composer or painter can be spared this undesired feeling of desperation, which in turn becomes a self-revelation they weren't aware of. So geniuses are prone to madness, but it can be controlled by diligence and patience. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog with us. God bless and best wishes. kindest Regards, Andrew. Login to Reply

Vince Suzadail Jr. Date: 11/17/2009 6:19:00 PM I just like being crazy anyway. Can't you see what the "normal" ones have done to society? My 3 favorite philosophers are Shemp, Larry and Moe. Hey, I saw a liberal at the market getting a bottle of clorox. Is that an oxymoron? Have a wonderful day. Vince Login to Reply

Tim Ryerson Date: 11/14/2009 8:00:00 PM A beautiful peace of prose by you right here on this blog...Poe died a destitute alchoholic...it's a thin line to walk for sure. Being a PROUD 'Dead-Head' that I am... Mr. Jerry Garcia sang in 'Ripple'...'There is a road - No simple highway - between the dawn - and the dark of night - and if you go- no one may follow- that path is for- your steps alone'... Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/14/2009 2:18:00 PM Brilliance or madness it's all a matter of perspective aye! I've had people ask me can't you just "act" like everyone else...well...NO...I can't....genetically I can't & environmentally I can't..mix 1 part Christian/country gal/ w/predisposition to alcholism w/ 1 part Jewish/city boy/ w/predisposition to bipolar disorder anxiety attacks and dyslexia and me is what you get! Now how the heck could I ever act like anyone else??? Anyway the lemonade ;) all you get from the about mishmash is a healer/poet/artist so there ya go! Light & Love from your resident glass of lemonade! Login to Reply

Iolanda Scripca Date: 11/14/2009 11:59:00 AM The Romania's National poet, Mihail Eminescu, 1850 - 1889, a genius in all aspects of his writings, died in a mental institution. His work encompassed every genre of poetry (love, philosophical, cosmological, mythological, historical, socio-satiric, etc.) His famous "The Legend of The Evening Star" is inspired by his own experience of unfulfilled love. He is Europe's last romantic. His poem is a must read. http://www.worldrecordsacademy.org/arts/longest_love_poem-world_record_set_by_the_Evening_Star_90145.htm Login to Reply