---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think that for thousands of years…"
description: "\"I think that for thousands of years people have made the observation that there are certain kinds of extreme depressive states that seem to be more lik..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1b/kay-redfield-jamison-1826_art_i-think-that-for-thousands-of-years-peop_22807.jpg"
---

#  I think that for thousands of years people have made the…

![“I think that for thousands of years people have made the observation that there are certain kinds of extreme depressive states that seem to be more likely to produce philosophers, people in the arts, unusually brilliant scientists.” quote by Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1b/kay-redfield-jamison-1826_art_i-think-that-for-thousands-of-years-peop_22807.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1b/kay-redfield-jamison-1826_art_i-think-that-for-thousands-of-years-peop_22807.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1b/kay-redfield-jamison-1826_art_i-think-that-for-thousands-of-years-peop_22807.jpg)

> “I think that for thousands of years people have made the observation that there are certain kinds of extreme depressive states that seem to be more likely to produce philosophers, people in the arts, unusually brilliant scientists.”

[Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kay-redfield-jamison/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Severe depressive episodes often coincide with heightened creative insight, producing notable philosophers, artists, and scientists.

**In simple terms:** Depression can fuel exceptional creativity.

Key Takeaway

Link between mental anguish and brilliance.

Themes

Creativity Mental health Psychology of genius Artistic expression Scientific innovation

Mood

Contemplative Melancholic

Type

Observational Philosophical

When to use this quote

- Therapeutic settings
- Academic research on creativity
- Artistic workshops
- Innovation labs

Key Concepts

Neurochemical imbalance Cognitive dissonance Emotional depth

Practical Applications

- Designing mental‑health support for creative professionals
- Studying the role of mood in problem‑solving

Questions to Reflect On

- How might we harness depressive insight without harming wellbeing?
- Can supportive environments replace pathology for creative output?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Brilliant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brilliant/) [Depressive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depressive/) [Extremes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extremes/) [Observation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/observation/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Scientist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scientist/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/)

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