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Hughes talks about the idea that many creative’s can be seen as abnormal in a way, and that this “eccentricity, (is) tolerated but not necessarily condoned.” I find this very relevant in how mainstream society has been able to incorporate “condoned” artists and musicians into our lives, in a way that they are acceptable and therefore relevant to us. People begin to derive their identity from these so called creative’s, because they can avoid being ostracized and criticized by their peers. Extremist artists have been moved to the back of the cultural existence, only being appreciated by selective audiences; their ideas are therefore looked at as drastic instead of progressive.

In talking about sickness of the mind, there is the idea that “in a world where analytic, linear thinking has proved so successful, deviance from the step-by-step approach may sometimes yield results, but is more often seen to be disconcerting or disruptive.” I love that this is laid out this way because a rational person has to ask “Disruptive to who?” or “Proved successful by what terms?” We still live in a society of greed, war and prejudice. There is conflict abroad, but also on the streets of local towns and cities. When did violence become normal or tolerable on any scale? You also have to think, who would be disrupted by these creative’s ideas, these “irrational” thoughts. The answer: those in power. The average citizen faces disruptions daily, from all aspects of life, and they deal with these constructively. What they don’t realize is that a majority of these disruptions are placed on them by “the powers that be.” We have come to a place where we feel entitled and equivalent, forgetting that there are factors and people that shape our lives in truly “disruptive” ways. The creative has been objectified and often times termed as “sick minded” because they don’t perpetuate the norm.

Walsh places emphasis on the healing process and rightfully so. As interesting as Hughes is, there is something to be said for offering a solution as opposed to simply analyzing disease. In talking about psychological healing, we are getting to the root of the problem. We all know stress can lead to disease and lead people to factors that will likewise cause disease. What needs to be addressed is the mindset that leads people to these symptoms. The problem does start somewhere, and there is a good chance it’s in the mind. Shamans focus is more on changing these patterns at the root, instead of just reducing the symptoms.