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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