The Hypomanic Edge
by John D. Gartner · first published 2005
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Why is America so rich and powerful? The answer lies in our genes, according to psychologist John Gartner. Hypomania, a genetically based mild form of mania, endows many of us with unusual energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and a propensity for taking risks. America has an extraordinarily high number of hypomanics--grandiose types who leap on every wacky idea that occurs to them, utterly convinced it will change the world. Market bubbles and ill-considered messianic crusades can be the downside. But there is an enormous upside in terms of spectacular entrepreneurial zeal, drive for innovation, an
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…of some here saying this is not unique. However, I'd point to a pattern that I've found personally true having been surrounded by founder-types experientially for decades: https://www.amazon.com/The-Hypomanic-Edge-John-D-Gartner-aud... I've found the ability to recognize and self-select for in-office, remote, and hybrid work dynamically at runtime since 1999 to be instrumental in my work from coast to coast. "Hey…
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on “Ask HN: Good books?” ↗Reminds me of the book, The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (A Little) Craziness and (A Lot of) Success in America by John D. Gartner.
on “Tim Ferriss: Entrepreneurial Manic-Depression” ↗…esp. in the arts and when paired with high verbal intelligence. Kanye, Churchill, Cobain, Woolf, Hemingway, Van Gogh. John Gartner, psychologist @ Hopkins, wrote a book about 20 years ago called The Hypomanic Edge. The thesis somewhat comical yet believable, America has tons of folks on the bipolar spectrum, experiencing low level hypomania. The idea is you have to be slightly mad to leave home and travel to a…
on “Schizophrenia study finds new biomarker, drug candidate to treat symptoms” ↗