10.10.2011
A First-Rate Madness
by Nassir Ghaemi, 273 pgs, hardcover
Overall Grade: A-
The author sets forth the idea that some of the best leaders in history have some significant degree of mental illness (usually depression or bipolar); and not just coincidentally, but benefited from it. He sets out examples (some recent, some a few centuries old), and examines what we know of their mental state. From the energy and creativity of mania to depressive realism, the author looks at what benefits were derived from their illness. And why we might want leaders (especially crisis leaders) that aren't of sound mental health. Of course, he proves examples of what can go wrong (Hitler) and looks at cases were the mental health of the leader was detrimental.
Having depression myself it was nice to see the stigma of mental illness addressed, and look at the positive aspects (which you'd hardly ever think of).
Labels: genre: historical, genre: non-fiction, genre: science, media: book
