Saying that a great genius is mad, while at the same time recognizing his artistic worth, is like saying that he had rheumatism or suffered from diabetes. Madness, in fact, is a medical term that can claim no more notice from the objective critic than he grants the charge of heresy raised by the theologian, or the charge of immorality raised by the police.

Summary

This quote suggests that labeling a brilliant genius as "mad" or mentally unstable is similar to attributing physical illnesses like rheumatism or diabetes to them. It argues that madness is a medical term that should be treated neutrally by objective critics, just as charges of heresy from theologians or immorality from the police should not influence the assessment of an artist's or genius' worth. The quote implies that mental health should not overshadow or diminish the artistic or intellectual contributions of exceptional individuals.

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