Crazy people

I wonder about the definition of crazy now days. Everyone I know, who is worth knowing has some sort of pathological behavior that would be considered crazy. So I wonder if we have broadened the definition of crazy too much or if I am just around the wrong kind of people. I have a feeling it is a little of both, since we as a society have broadened our definition of what is not normal greatly, plus I work in science and technology and that attracts the eccentric like no other profession. Remember the old saying there is a fine line between genius and madness.

Now then as for the people who aren’t crazy I believe they are the ones who you have to worry about. You never hear the neighbors being interviewed after a serial killer is caught saying, “Well duh! Of course he was a mass murderer, everyone knew that!” no it is always “He was such a nice quiet boy…” The “sane” people are just keeping it bottled up or worse hiding some serious pathology.

Does this mean you shouldn’t worry about the crazy people you know? No, if you have a guy at your work with that wild look in his eye who is stock piling AK-47, you are right to worry. The best way to deal with him is be nice but not be his friend. Friends can betray (whether they know it or not) and that can set him off. If you are nice then in general he will be nice too, but not take you into his confidence so you will be spared the major rants. If he goes “postal” you can use the fact you were nice to him and never slighted him when you are begging to be spared or trying to talk him down. Perhaps that is a little macabre, but even if he never goes off, being spared the frequent ranting is worth trying what I have suggested.