Oliver and Indra discuss the history of the Mad Genius Myth
Is creative genius fueled by suffering, or have we been mythologizing pain all along? In this episode of The Mad Genius Thesis, we explore the origins of the mad genius stereotype, tracing it from the Dionysian revelry of ancient Greece to the tortured artists of the Romantic era, and into modern scientific debates about creativity and mental health.
From Van Gogh’s swirling torment to Dali’s surreal subconscious, history is filled with figures whose struggles seem inextricably linked to their art. But does true brilliance require madness, or is it actually nurtured by discipline, flow states, and a supportive environment? We examine the balance between chaos and control, suffering and joy, and challenge the idea that great art must come at great cost.
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