Episodes of malingering [involving] mental illness are ascribed to five individuals in history before 500 B.C.—Odysseus, David, Solon, Kai Khosrau, and Brutus. The five ancient accounts follow a general pattern. All five heroes early in their careers, before achieving anything like their ultimate renown, were confronted by life threatening situations, and [feigned] mental disorder to escape

the death threat. Following the incident all five went on to extraordinary careers, in no way deterred by their past aberrant public behavior. The [feigning] of mental disorder stands as a nodal point in their careers, presaging brilliant accomplishments and functioning as a self-renewal, perhaps symbolizing the hero's rebirth.