The Concept of Creative Illness*

The concept of creative illness seems to have been anticipated by Novalis:11

Illnesses [Novalis writes] are, certainly, an important matter for humanity, since they are so numerous and because each has to struggle against them. But we know only very imperfectly the art of putting them to good use. These are probably the most important materials and stimulants for our thinking and our activity.

Elsewhere, Novalis declares that hypochondria is a very remarkable illness:

There is a petty hypochondria and a sublime hypochondria. It is through the latter that one should try to find an access route towards the soul.

This sentence seems to indicate, according to Novalis, that there are some illnesses of superior essence which are, so to say, more wholesome than health, and, in reverse, one can speak of the false appearance of health due to illness, like the one which is offered by a nation in the state of revolution.

There is an energy caused by illness and weakness which appears to be stronger man real energy, but which, when disappearing, leaves the person in a state of weakness that is still greater.

It is necessary to add that these reflections of an original thinker