MrsFelicityCrumble said:

I won't patronise you by listing the examples Discuss! My answer - no-one has a perfect family. But yes, there's a strong link.

That word (genius) has lost its true meaning, hasn't it? Genius, by definition, is very rare; and I'm
not even sure there is a consensus of how to quantify it let alone qualify it. But today, it can mean
some one/thing who is simply talented and creating original work, or an example of original, creative
work. Some historians are now re-assessing Mozart and instead of classifying him as a genius, are
discussing how he was ultimately just a really talented composer who worked very hard, and very
diligently. If Mozart, who was the most talented musician ever produced, wasn't a genius, then I'm
pretty sure that nobody on your list was gonna be one either!

Anyways, correlation does not equal causation, so I don't think there is a link at all. You don't need
a "messed up childhood" in order for your genius to blossom. Think about it: given what we know
about developmental psychology, it seems likely that a chaotic/traumatic environment will do more
to hamper genius (or, personhood) than it will to nurture it.

When you have a musical or creative mind, your imagination will ALWAYS make reality seem plain or disappointing in some way.

Also, lots of musicians are extra sensitive to their environment, which might not be "messed up" compared to other people who survive but never turn into artists.

interesting points!

Cinny said:

When you have a musical or creative mind, your imagination will ALWAYS make reality seem plain or disappointing in some way.

Also, lots of musicians are extra sensitive to their environment, which might not be "messed up" compared to other people who survive but never turn into artists.

Just like all superheroes have at least one dead parent. Probably makes them try harder in life.

Prince had a biography that looked at his childhood in chapter one'we also know Michael Jackson had a hard time of it with his bully of a dad but i would need more examples to even come close to saying "yes".It could result in deeper more meaningful songs possibly.It may make artists more subceptable to drug abuse.The beauty of life is we are all different.so i will give it a "maybe"and thats the ansswer i'm sticking 2.

I'm not sure, but I recently read these interesting articles which are insightful about mental stresses of musicians and other creatives:


"Are creative people more prone to psychological distress or is the ‘mad genius’ a myth?"


"Insomnia, anxiety, break-ups … musicians on the dark side of touring"

Cinny said:

When you have a musical or creative mind, your imagination will ALWAYS make reality seem plain or disappointing in some way.

Also, lots of musicians are extra sensitive to their environment, which might not be "messed up" compared to other people who survive but never turn into artists.

Hmm,

I have a different take on this. I am a musician and my imagination doesn't lead me to perceiving
reality as being plain or disappointing; people are responsible for that particular take on reality.

duccichucka said:

Cinny said:

When you have a musical or creative mind, your imagination will ALWAYS make reality seem plain or disappointing in some way.

Also, lots of musicians are extra sensitive to their environment, which might not be "messed up" compared to other people who survive but never turn into artists.

Hmm,

I have a different take on this. I am a musician and my imagination doesn't lead me to perceiving
reality as being plain or disappointing; people are responsible for that particular take on reality.

True, the sensitivity to one's surroundings can also bring mind-blowing highs. I kinda contradicted myself there. I was more debunking about "messed up".