Madness and insight are deeply associated; and this unfortunate fact continually mystifies both experts and those experiencing them. But the superficial likeness hides deeply rooted distinctions.

The problem is one of focus. Speaking generally, the person suffering from madness cannot really tell the difference between insight and narrative explanations for phenomena (or correspondences) while the person experiencing insight is often aware of the near precipice of madness, and can learn, by practice and guidance, to avoid it.

Madness is unlike insight, however, in that it is nearly absolutely compelling in its formation of a kind of cage that both emulates insight and precludes it at the same time. It is this likeness that is terrifying and lethal, for once a person becomes invested in it emotionally and egoically, it is incredibly difficult to ‘break the spell’. And those who have experienced insight are often vulnerable to its terrible shadow.