[Dixielandjazz] Creativity and Mental Illness - was Frank Rosolino

[BillSargentDrums at aol.com]

<<According to the below study done in 2003 jointly by Psychologists  from
Harvard University and the University of Toronto, there is a  biological
basis for a link between creativity and mental  illness.

--start excerpt 

"Scientists have wondered for a long  time why madness and creativity seem
linked. It appears likely that low  levels of latent inhibition and
exceptional flexibility in thought might  predispose to mental illness under
some conditions and creative  accomplishment under others."

"For example, during the early stages of  diseases such as schizophrenia,
which are often accompanied by feelings of  deep insight, mystical knowledge
and religious experience, chemical changes  take place in which latent
inhibition disappears."

--end  excerpt>>
 
This is where mankind fails miserably . . . when the "educated beyond their  
own intelligence collides with the human trait of audacious superiority. The  
scientific community just can't stand the fact that some things are not  
explainable by science, so they come up with theories anyway.
 
It's really very simple. Music and musical talents are gifts from God. Once  
given, some people use them for His purposes, and some people just use them.  
Some people grow and develop them, and others do nothing at all with them. 
Some  go to the point of abusing them.
 
While what I just said is truth, there is the other side of the coin, and  
that is Satan's curse of musical "gifts" or abilities. While I could go on and  
on with a long dissertation of fame, fortune, and cursed musical talent, just 
be  aware, that not all talents and gifts from God or are good.
 
That's being said, the above diseases mentioned are also demonic  oppre
ssions. 

<<Perhaps then, we should stop and consider the  tightrope that creative jazz
musicians walk. And consider that their music  may indeed be quite separate
from their more human failings. Especially when  they become too full of
themselves. Beautiful, sensitive music? Stan Getz or  Paul Desmond.
Beautiful, sensitive men? Maybe not. Similar examples abound  from all over
the artistic world.>>
 
And these are issues known as pride and humility . . . people forgetting,  or 
not knowing where their talent came from in the first place.
 
I didn't really mean to get off on this spiritual take on the topic, but  
with it being Thanksgiving and all, it just seemed totally appropriate.
 
Then again, isn't the truth is always totally appropriate?
 
Now, you'll have to pardon me as I run for cover as Satan's minions start  
throwing stones at me for bringing "religion" to the board. Sorry, but you can't 
 discuss some topics properly if you're not willing to entertain the truth.  
:-)
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Bill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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