Be it in any craft, the pursuit of mastery encapsulates humans’ thirst for excellence. From athletes and musicians, whetting their skills, chipping away the rough edges to grasp control in what they do, to emperors who have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of war and dictatorship. It requires an astronomical amount of devotion and consistency to master skills. That being said, does mastery come at a cost? Is the road to greatness also a descent into madness?
Mastery, by its very nature, demands obsession. It’s not just about developing the skill anymore; it is about pushing the boundaries, testing the limits, and achieving an almost unreachable level of competence. To master or truly gain control of your craft, you must dedicate your life to it, often at the expense of social connections, leisure, and well-being. This very intensity can easily consume one’s sense of identity.
Take King George III of England, who reigned from 1760 to 1820. King George III was renowned for his relentless dedication to his role and the country’s affairs. However, his pursuit of mastery and control over the empire took a significant toll on his mental health. He had severe mental illness, which later was believed to be linked to porphyria, a hereditary disorder. Ironically, King George III’s obsession with maintaining power and order was why he lost control of himself and was driven to madness.
Moreover, artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Ludwig van Beethoven, and even recent figures such as Steve Jobs, all names who have dedicated their lives to their craft and endeavor, suffered immensely, having many mental health struggles. Van Gogh famously cut off his own ear, which was a manifestation of his torment, while Jobs was notorious for his behavior toward his subordinates and his obsessive attention to detail, often pushing people around him to their very limit.
The descent to madness is prone to occur when the line between passion and obsession blurs. Passion fuels creativity, whereas obsession can become toxic, leading to burnout and being the cause of anxiety and depression.
In a similar circumstance, Andrea, a girl of royal blood in the enchanting backdrop of 18th-century France, battles with her own demons in V. C. Love’s masterpiece, The Countess of Stonemason. Andrea is charismatic, beautiful, and driven; as she rises to power as the Countess of Stonemason, she amasses wealth and control. However, despite her possessions, things are never enough, leaving her prone to dark forces enticing her desires. She fights fiercely to master both men and the world around her in a chilling fate that becomes a timeless legend. Click on the link to learn more!