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Comment by StanislavPetrov | Hacker News Reader

In fact, if you do a careful study of history, many of the best artists have "serious mental issues". The question is, how do we define "serious mental issues" and "art"? I don't think its a coincidence that people with off-the-charts creativity are mentally different than most other people. If your thought process is that far removed from others in regards to art ("creativity"), then it only stands to reason that your thought process would be very different from other people in other regards, too.

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I think, in part, it comes down to socioeconomic status.

Somebody from a wealthy background who has mental health issues might be able to afford to live in an unconventional way, supported by the people around them, whereas somebody from a poor background is going to end up living on the street when those same issues prevent them from holding down a job and paying the bills.

Art in Swedish is "konst" which is the base for the word "konstig" which means, literally, weird or odd. I'm pretty sure there's a reason for that etymology.

in Danish Kunstig main meaning is artificial or synthetic, secondary meaning - does not seem real, natural, or authentic (of upright standing) http://ordnet.dk/ddo/ordbog?query=kunstig

so I don't know that I would say there is a reason for the etymology that relates in any direct way with artists are weird.

Relating to that is that artificial is "konstgjord" in Swedish, i.e. "art made".

You cant say that- because if you imply that non neurotypical behaviour makes for great artists, you are basically telling alot of people that they will never be great artists.

It also gives people with mental health problems an excuse to not seek treatment - "I don't need your stupid pills, I'm not broken, I'm just an artist!"

At least in the US, the DSMV is used to define "serious mental issues" while everywhere "art" is completely subjective.

I don't disagree with the premise of very creative people having very different though processes from the majority. There is a very fine line between genius and insanity.

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