In this book, the author tried to understand the origins of creativity, the origin of talent, and at the same time understand why an uncontrollable creative impulse and literally exhausting work often lead to a sad ending. It is impossible to do without an analysis of the mental state, and the question immediately arises: can a person with a normal psyche create something that will glorify him for centuries and ensure the immortality of his name? In search of an answer, the author had to study the biographies of famous writers, poets, artists, scientists, as well as read the works of psychiatrists and philosophers who argued that genius is inextricably linked with madness.