By that logic we'll have to throw out some of the most influential authors. People like Hemingway, David Foster Wallace, Fitzgerald, Mary Shelley, etc. etc. Their reflections on life wouldn't matter, and the study of what they've thought on life would be meaningless. Perhaps from your POV that's true, but I simply don't agree with that.

An author's personal life is not indicative of their wisdom, or perspective. After all this life is simply a variety of events that just happen, all of which can't be perfect, or just the way you want. Life is just the way it is, and you, as a human being, are molded around it. Cognitively that's how a human being works, we learn, and we grow. See it for what life is, and go with it. After a while you'll develop your own perspective from wherever you stand.

But that's just the way I see things...

He also lived in somewhat seclusion on a boat, as I remember.

Why is that?

Alcoholism is very much a disease.

Do you hesitate to take advice from people with cardiovascular disease?