For today’s quote of the day, we draw some stoic inspiration from Aristotle. Outside the purview of the wide body of stoic philosophy Aristotle helped inspire, is this more “artistic” and abstract gem attributed to him.
“There is no great genius without a touch of madness.”
-Aristotle
In one of his most impressionable quotes, Aristotle exposes the thin veil that often exists between the inspired and the insane.
Naturally, as someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, this quote from Aristotle speaks to me, because I’ve experienced this “mixture” of genius and madness personally.
I attribute some of my most creative ideas and outputs with periods of intense mania. This is at the heart of why I started this blog and why you’re reading this now. The written word has been a very therapeutic medium for me. It has given me a creative outlet to “mind my own madness.”
The Thin Line Between Love & Hate
Along these lines, I can’t help but think about the 1971 hit by the Persuader’s, “Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” A song that highlights with different terms, the “veil” between love (divine inspiration) and hate (loves nemesis).
Another good example of the close proximity or relation between divine inspiration (genius) and its perceived nemesis (mad rival) is found in the Bible – in the story of Cain and Able in Genesis 4.
Cain (The older Loose cannon) and Able (the younger, divinely inspired sibling) aren’t arch enemies in the predictable way you would expect. They’re actually close relatives. Another example of the close relation between love (genius) and hate (madness/insanity).
Bitter Rivals or Close Relatives?
In all these examples, we learn that these apparent opposites of divine inspiration (genius) and desperate insanity (madness) are often attracted to one another and from time to time, kiss.
In some degree, this makes sense, because in order for us to tap into genius or escape novelty, we must be willing to dance in less socially acceptible circles. After all, the status quo is where creativity goes to die.
If you would like to receive more inspirational quotes with short reflections and applications like these, subscribe below so you can receive them direct to your inbox.
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or would like to make content recommendations/provide constructive feedback, you can reach me at info@danielfortune.blog.
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Our Favourite Recipes
A Little Bit About Me…
Hi, my name is Daniel Fortune. I’m a husband to 1, dad to 5, U.S. Army combat veteran, mental health advocate, writer, and public speaker currently residing in the central valley of the sunny state of California. I started the Minding My Own Madness Blog as with a vision to become one of the best personal development and mental health resource blogs. As someone who has battled with combat related PTSD and Bipolar 1 Disorder for 2 decades now, I intimately know the unique struggles people living with a mental illness face. Feel free to contact me at info@danielfortune.blog if you find yourself in crisis or would just like to say hi. I’m always just a message away.
“You can’t fail if you refuse to quit. Keep fighting the good fight and NEVER lose hope. You’re not alone. There are other people feeling the same way you feel right now. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom.”
I had the honor of serving with Fortune overseas. He is a solid guy and our relationship has lasted long after us both leaving the Army. He has helped me get out of dark places multiple times. I’m extremely grateful for his friendship and ability to sense when others are in need. Read his content, ask him questions, and journey well!
— Eric (Friend/Army veteran)
So glad I found this blog! It helped me find the mental health resources I needed and get out of a rough patch. Doesn’t hurt to shoot Daniel a message. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to respond to me. You won’t regret it. He’s a really cool, down to earth, and knowledgable guy who knows what it’s like to struggle. So grateful for this blog!
— Spencer
Daniel Fortune 
Leave a Reply