Lawrence S. Kubie

This is an accessible account of the distortions of creative processes (whether in art, science, or any other field) that can be caused by neuroses of various kinds. This is backed up by plenty of interesting cases experienced by the writer - an experienced psychoanalyst and academic psychologist somewhat of the Freudian school, as well as reference to other pyschological studies. The aim of this book is to debunk the hypothesis that neurosis or psychological troubles are necessary for creativity, or drive it (think of the tortured artist stereotype for example). Instead the author contends that neurosis is harmful to creativity. There is plenty of background on what he considers "neurosis" and "creativity" to be, which is helpful as people often mean different things by these controversial terms.
The origins of creativity, and what drives or makes exceptionally original thinkers or artists so different from the ordinary man, are of longstanding interest in the realm of psychology, education, and within science and the arts which benefit from exceptional individuals.
This comes highly recommended to anyone with an interest in psychology, creativity, or education. It is a very clear and stimulating discussion of phenomena that relate to the greatest of human achievements, while at the same time having some personal relevance to the average reader, because as the author points out, most people are not entirely neurosis free.… (altro)