Biographies of creative manic-depressives are not cheering to read, and happy endings are few among them. Geniuses and lesser talents who are manic‐ depressives have the same problems, ranging from depressions that prevent work, to bankruptcies caused by manic extravagance. Ability alone does not guarantee financial success, except insofar as it increases the market value of one's work. Extraordinary talent enables people to do better work, and it may increase their satisfaction in their work, but it is no remedy for the vicissitudes of manic-depression. In case after case, much of the conflict, chaos, and pain in creative lives results from this illness.

Genius can be augmented by freeing creative manic-depressives from those effects of the disorder that are detrimental to creativity, and by helping them to maximize the advantages that the illness can provide.

Certain conditions must be met if creativity is to occur. One has to live long enough to receive training and produce work, just as it is essential to have time and the physical ability needed for one's work, the necessary material or equipment, and sufficient freedom from distraction. Severe physical illness or disability and extreme poverty make creative endeavor unlikely, if not impossible. However, those who meet the basic requirements may still find the way to creativity barred. Extreme states of manic-depression have detrimental effects on creativity regardless of external circumstances.

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