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

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On Thu, 2001-08-30 at 20:23, CREEDGIRLL@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated