Advantage Quote by Kay Redfield Jamison
“Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it, an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison, 1995
Manic‑depression is a biological illness that feels psychological, causing extreme mood swings, dangerous behavior, and sometimes pleasure, but also severe suffering and suicide risk.
In simple terms: Bipolar disorder brings intense highs and lows, pain and occasional pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Seek balanced treatment and support.
Themes
mental health
bipolar disorder
dual nature
Mood
cautionary
hopeful
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- clinical therapy
- support groups
- medication management
- personal coping strategies
Key Concepts
psychology
neuroscience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor both the challenges and rare positive aspects?
- What support systems reduce suicide risk?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize the “advantage” aspect, minimizing risk.
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![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
