butterflyuk

If famous and powerful people admit to their weakness would we still respect them and their authority? I am not saying whether the statement by Professor Justin Frank that the US President suffers from a serious mental illness is right or wrong. No doubt a denial and perhaps a threat of litigation would be coming forward from the White House but what would the world's reaction be?

Sir Winston churchill was reported to suffer from depression. It was said that he used to dictate letters to his secretaries half-dressed and roamed around in his rooms nude when awoke in the night. Was his patiality to alcohol and habit of smoking known in his political period? or the conviction that Churchill was among the most important men in modern history had come about after his death?

Physical illness does get some sympathy but if more people admitted to their mental illness would the stigma and fear be less than what we have now?