dark heart - I personally think that overplaying what schizophrenia/bipolar/whatever it may have been in the past is just too often romanticized of what could have been, since it was just as likely those that were different were ostracized or worse.

However, you are absolutely right that the standard model of living we have now days is extremely flawed, and leave many with regrets towards the end of their life. It's not necessarily those with MI that don't fit the box, because there are plenty here who live that kind of life and are content, but often those that are different who become innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, etc.

I think that humans have always suffered one way or another, which is why Buddhism has had such strong roots in certain cultures, and the question of purpose is one that humans have always longed for an answer to.

Obviously, I don't have the answers, and I personally believe that the whole idea of a "true purpose" is what humans use to counter the possibility that there is no purpose or reason, but it doesn't stop me from living well by treating my mind and body right, and for striving for what I want, outside of "the box."