The document discusses conceptions of the relationship between creativity and madness. It summarizes empirical findings from historiometric, psychiatric, and psychometric studies which show higher rates of psychopathology among highly creative individuals compared to the general population. However, the studies also indicate that outright mental illness usually inhibits creativity, and that highly creative people exhibit traits associated with both creativity and certain symptoms at moderate levels. The relationship is explained as creativity requiring traits like openness and divergent thinking, which are also correlated with some psychopathological symptoms.