r/todayilearned • u/Ainsley-Sorsby • 3d ago

TIL Part of N.Machiavelli's diplomatic mission to Cesare Borgia included sending intel back to his government, even down to Borgia's personal habits. He noticed that he had inhuman energy and could go several nights working sleepless but occasionaly would "fall to his bed" and refuse to see anyone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesare_Borgia#Personal_life
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u/Zephrok 3d ago

Not everything needs to be non-pathologised either. Him being a hard worker doesn't explain why his mood swings were extreme enough to be notable.

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u/WilliamWeaverfish 3d ago

He refused to see anyone because he wanted to sleep! That's not an extreme mood swing

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u/Zephrok 3d ago

Yeah you're right that it could be relatively normal behaviour, but "Bipolar Disorder" is a thing. People have it now, would have had it then, and there's nothing wrong with that. I don't really get why it's a big deal to you to wonder if a historical figure has it.

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u/cagingnicolas 2d ago

this happens literally every time mental illness is discussed.
some people just seem to get annoyed by their existence.