The Definition of Insanity

  • The condition of being insane, a derangement of the mind
  • Law Such unsoundness of mind as affects legal responsibility or capacity
  • Psychiatry (formerly) Psychosis
  • Extreme folly; senselessness; foolhardiness

I’ve heard it a eleventy billion times:  “Isn’t that the definition of insanity?  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?”

Just so we’re clear, No.  Not the definition of insanity.  If I want to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, that might mean I’m persistent, or insistent, or hopeful, or maybe even dumb.  But I’m not insane.