Einstein 1921 by F Schmutzer – restoration

Do you often feel like you’re dreaming even though it’s daytime? If you think you’re crazy, you’ll be happy to know that you’re probably just very imaginative. Perhaps even a genius.

There are many forms of mental illness, but daydreaming isn’t one of them. Neither is hearing music in your head, research has shown. But everyone asks this question at least once in their lifetime:

A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?

– Albert Einstein

The very definition of genius, Einstein wasn’t one to please society with ‘normal’ behavior. He reportedly couldn’t speak until about the age of four; hated the violin as a child and mastered it later after hearing Mozart; sucked in school, where he was viewed as ‘mentally slow’ and ‘a dreamer;’ couldn’t tie his own shoes; and never wore socks, not even when dining at the White House. But despite all these peculiarities (and many others best left for dedicated stories about the man), Einstein was every bit as normal as you and me.

Some researchers are of the opinion that the theoretical physicist suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome, a rare and very mild form of autism. Asperger’s is actually considered a high-functioning autism because those who have it tend to be extremely intelligent. The disorder is also characterized by difficulty in communication, lack of certain social skills, and several other traits that Einstein seemed to exhibit himself.

However, Asperger’s Syndrome is not considered a mental disease, and is not associated with insanity. While many geniuses throughout history have been characterized as crazy, Einstein wasn’t one of them. So if you fit the description, don’t sweat it and keep dreaming. Maybe some day you’ll discover warp drive.