“To remain permanently either on the pinnacle or in the abyss is deemed a species of the same disorder, though not so common.”

— Alexander Bryan Johnson

The Philosophical Emperor, a Political Experiment, or, The Progress of a False Position: (1841)
Context: To jump occasionally into the pit is common to all who visit the mountain, and to some who keep on the plain; but the madness to which I have alluded consists in rapid alternations from the mountain to the pit, annoying all persons who are forced, by friendship or consanguinity, to consort with the unfortunate maniacs. To remain permanently either on the pinnacle or in the abyss is deemed a species of the same disorder, though not so common.

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Alexander Bryan Johnson 35

United States philosopher and banker 1786–1867

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“To remain permanently either on the pinnacle or in the abyss is deemed a species of the same disorder, though not so common.”

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