Drive

The relationship between extreme mood states and creative episodes has been the narrative of ancient philosophy. Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. They believed  “madness” was the essence of inspiring art, and was a combination of shifting states of mind, awareness, and emotions. Aristotle also claimed Plato and Socrates were both melancholic figures that were gifted with inspiration in their moments of ‘insanity’.

 What are the fundamental links between affect and cognition? Professor Greg Murray, renowned clinical psychologist and Director, Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University of Technology, explains the mechanisms that underpin these links. Trigger warning: mental illness and its risk factors are discussed in this interview.