Reframing Insanity: Beyond Mental Illness

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How is that even possible? The dictionary definition of the word insanity is the state of being seriously, mentally ill (“Definition of the Word Insanity”). Insanity is also classified as a medical diagnosis. Insanity came from the Latin word insanitatem (“History of the Word Insanity”). People started using this word in the 1580’s. The Latins interpreted insanity as unhealthy Modern day society uses the word insanity too loosely. Although the dictionary definition of insanity is not wrong, several cases that prove having “insanity” does not always mean “being seriously mentally ill” has came to surface.
Several illustrations that prove insanity does not always mean having a mental illness has been exposed. One example is cruelty. Joseph Stalin …show more content…

Harry Houdini was a magician known for performing the most dangerous acts in the world. For example, Harry Houdini emerged himself under water with no way to escape for over ninety minutes (“Most dangerous Harry Houdini act”). Likewise, Amelia Earhart was the first lady to fly solo over the Atlantic Ocean in 1928 (“Who is Amelia Earhart”). She was only 31 years of age. Where most pilots would wait until they have had several years of practice, Amelia Earhart had only been flying for 8 years. Not only did daredevils push their limits, but athletes did the same and got labeled as …show more content…

Usain Bolt is known as the “fastest man alive.” Usain Bolt was just a normal Jamaican kid, but he wanted more. He pushed himself the be the very best. Now no competitor can even get close to accomplishments, determinations, sacrifice, and pure talent (“Usain Bolt”). He won nine gold medals as a predominant champion at the 2008, 2012, and the 2016 Summer Games. LeBron is one of the most popular basketball player known in the United States of America. Most people do not know Lebron James’s story. LeBron James basically grew up without a father. His father was arrested several times for drug problems. His mother struggled with finding a job and battled with money to provide for her family as a single mother. Going to bed hungry was not uncommon for LeBron James and his siblings. LeBron wanted to make a difference in his life and his families’ life (“LeBron James’s life story”). Our culture today classify the athletes as “insanity,” but each of these individuals were completely lively. Both Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler were physically and mentally healthy but were considered insane. Everyone told Harry Houdini and Amelia Earhart that their goals were physically impossible. With all of the doubt from others, they decided to prove others that surround them all wrong. Both Usain Bolt and LeBron James went from the bottom to the top. They were told that they would never be able

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