https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812979494
(Curiously, Google search for "James Talbot Blind Descent" points to this very Hacker News thread.)
The usual estimation is that 5% of the population is insane, and I guess they do fill a purpose :)
I see it as meaning that you can honestly get used to anything, given enough time. It's inspiring really, when I'm at my worst and darkest times, to think - hey, if someone can deal with being tortured for years and get through it, I can make it through this.
I understand what you're saying, but being tortured for years leaves physiological and psychological scars that never go away.
William Sampson, A Canadian who was tortured for 31 months in Saudi Arabia, died at 52 after suffering four heart attacks in six months.[1]
Three of these were after the torture ended.
[1] https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2012/04/01/william_samp...