The Birth of the Mad Genius Idea : A Conversation

Is creativity a gift from the gods, a symptom of madness, or something entirely different? In this episode of The Mad Genius Thesis, we explore the origins of the mad genius concept, from the frenzied rituals of Ancient Greece to the tortured artists of the Romantic era.

Join Oliver Bennett and Elena Greenwood as they unravel how creativity has been linked to divine inspiration, intellect, and even suffering throughout history. From Plato’s theory of divine madness to the Renaissance celebration of human genius—and the lingering myth that great art must come from great pain—we examine what truly fuels creativity.

With insights from modern psychology, we challenge the tortured artist stereotype and explore how creativity thrives in flow states, collaboration, and everyday problem-solving. Is it time to rewrite the mad genius narrative? Let’s find out.

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