It is strange that schizophrenia is perceived negatively by society. The schizophrenic is immediately equated with an unhealthy, inadequate patient with a split personality, which he does not have, and he is also credited with uncontrolled aggression, danger to others, insanity and dementia. I wonder what the most ardent opponents will say to this, having learned that many geniuses of this world were schizophrenics ?! They created great creations, made scientific discoveries, were innovators and engines of progress. At the same time, they had serious mental problems, a sharp change in emotions, hallucinations, addiction to drugs and alcohol, manifestations of delirium, persecution mania, obsessions. Are you saying this can’t happen? See for yourself.
The most famous schizophrenics of all times and eras
Not surprisingly, schizophrenia is called the «disease of geniuses.» These two concepts go hand in hand. Few people think that many great discoveries and brilliant masterpieces in various fields of art are the work of mentally unstable people. Consider the most striking examples:
- Isaac Newton. From childhood, the scientist was distinguished by «wildness», as he tried to bypass people and spent all his time reading books. When he grew up and took up scientific activity, historical reports mention that he could not eat throughout the day, because he simply forgot about the need to eat. Or, on the contrary, it was noticed how he dined or dined twice, because he forgot that he had already eaten. And this man with a diagnosis of «paroxysmal progredient schizophrenia» made great discoveries in the field of physics and mathematics, received the Nobel Prize for his merits.
- Vincent Van Gogh. Everyone knows the story of how the artist cut off his own ear to punish himself for quarreling with a friend. He had frequent bouts of aggression, which were quickly replaced by self-pity and remorse. For this, he often resorted to methods of self-beating. During a period of special creative upsurge, he developed acute schizophrenia. Despite this, he is the creator of some of the most expensive paintings today, which are outbid for millions!
- Nikolay Gogol. The creator of the brilliant works «Dead Souls», «Taras Bulba», «Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka» and «Viy» was a schizophrenic. He argued that his internal organs were located incorrectly. He was afraid to die not completely, so he asked his relatives to bury him only a week or two after his death.
Mental illness brought them a lot of suffering and did not allow them to live a long, fulfilling life, but at the same time allowed them to create the most amazing creations in the world.
General characteristics of the disease
Schizophrenia has one key feature that united all of the above people — this is the boundlessness of thinking. Their fantasy and imagination has no limits. What an ordinary person would not even think of, a person with a disorder sees in reality. At least he thinks so. It’s a gift and a curse at the same time.