================================================ Subject: Re: NCR: philosophical talk is back From: "creed -7m3 - live" To: Date: Thu 30 Aug 2001 22:17:25 -0400 ================================================ My definition of insanity would be, to continue the trend into areas that the so called "sane" insist upon. Usage: Insanity is the generic term for all such diseases; lunacy has now an equal extent of meaning, though once used to denote periodical insanity; madness has the same extent, though originally referring to the rage created by the disease; derangement, alienation, are popular terms for insanity; delirium, mania, and frenzy denote excited states of the disease; dementia denotes the loss of mental power by this means; monomania is insanity upon a single subject. Monomania Mon`o*ma"ni*a, n. Mono- + mania. Derangement of the mind in regard of a single subject only; also, such a concentration of interest upon one particular subject or train of ideas to show mental derangement. ---- My idea, in regards to a genius is a person that exceeds above others intellectually. Be it in a single area. Such as mathematics and other academic matters. Or in an area related to the acceptance of new theories that others seem to think are solids theories. The usage is of the below; Usage: Genius implies high and peculiar gifts of nature,impelling the mind to certain favorite kinds of mental effort, and producing new combinations of ideas, imagery, etc. Talent supposes general strength of intellect, with a peculiar aptitude for being molded and directed to specific employments and valuable ends and purposes. Genius is connected more or less with the exercise of imagination, and reaches its ends by a kind of intuitive power. Talent depends more on high mental training, and a perfect command of all the faculties, memory, judgment, sagacity, etc. Hence we speak of a genius for poetry, painting. etc., and a talent for business or diplomacy. Among English orators, Lord Chatham was distinguished for his genius; William Pitt for his pre"eminent talents, and especially his unrivaled talent for debate. My favorite definition was: Distinguished mental superiority; uncommon intellectual power; especially, superior power of invention or origination of any kind, or of forming new combinations; as, a man of genius. I guess to summarize. If the rare abilities lead one to outhink established folklore. Such as a theory about the world being round. While the rest of the world believes that the world is flat. It could lead one to think that they are insane. Based upon the theories that are prevailant within thier time of existence. But, in reality, the sane person was fooled into thinking that they were insane. Though, if they would have stuck to thier original beliefs. They would have been proven correct. Once the first person made it around the world. And never fell off of the flat earth. Just my view. Jim ------------------------------------------- On Thu, 2001-08-30 at 20:23, CREEDGIRLL@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 8/30/01 8:10:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > creed7m3live@columbus.rr.com writes: > > > > I guess that it has to do with the phrase below. > > > > In an insane world, the sane appear to be the ones that are insane. > > > > I guess that the answer to the question would depend upon your > > definition of insanity and the definition of genius. > > > > > > > > Which leads me to ask, how this question could EVEN really be asked without > providing us with definitions to go by? Also, how would you define insanity > and genius? -- Never be led astray onto the path of virtue. To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp