Quote:
Originally Posted by dark_heart_x
Well, all things get romanticised. But, here's the thing, I'm a big evolutionist. I am spiritual, but I see how evolution makes sense. The weak are over taken by the strong. So I believe there must be some purpose for being this way. There must have been something so that it perpetuated through history to be here now. There must have been something attractive about it to be part of the current population.
Really, you can look at it two ways. If bipolar is an illness, then it's something that malfunctions in the wiring which causes us to have these symptoms. If bipolar is not an illness, and just a way that that human mind is built this way for a certain purpose, then it's a purpose that is no longer used by society and instead makes us appear to be malfunctioning.
For example, there was some research recently showing how people with high anxiety levels would actually be beneficial to a tribe. They are more likely to be high alert to things others may not pay attention to, thus saving everyone from dangers.
So why not psychosis? Maybe it served some purpose to our ancestors. Paranoia can be a lot like anxiety....
But, I am not a scientist or a doctor. It's just an idea.
|
I love history, and to a lesser degree anthropology and have dedicated a good bit of time to both. I certainly understand the point of view you're coming from, but personally to me things are often simply what they are, with human reasoning imbued upon them. There's no right and wrong, and the winds know we can't exactly spectate these unique individuals in the past first hand to judge. However, there are definitely many great minds in the past that were a tad strange and crazy, that ended up benefiting their society. Purpose is subjective, but no denying what has and can be done.
On the flip side, one could also note that there has been a sever drop in mental well being ever since the mid 1800s, growing exponentially into the 21st century. Some say it's simply because we have a better understanding of psychology now so it's easier to see these flaws, whilst others claim that it is our society now days that has become sick, thus human well being has gone downhill. Both probably play a role.
Sometimes I joke with a friend whether something is psychotic, or visionary. Who knows? Joan of Arc for example....totally wacko, or really did have the ability to hear god speak? Regardless, she definitely made an impact during the Hundred Years War....purpose? Or just is? O.o