"If you're going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it or else you're going to be locked up"

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: if you're going to do something outlandish or unconventional, make sure you’re getting compensated for it, otherwise, people might think you belong in a mental institution. It’s a humorous yet biting reminder about society's tendency to label what it doesn't understand.

Historically, the quote reflects a time when people who deviated from the norm could easily be ostracized or institutionalized. Think about the great inventors, artists, and thinkers who were considered mad in their time: Nikola Tesla, Vincent Van Gogh, even Einstein had his quirks. They were often seen as strange or unstable. But once their talents were recognized and they began to achieve success, society’s perception changed. Suddenly, they were geniuses rather than lunatics.

Take the example of Howard Hughes. This American business magnate, film director, and pilot was incredibly eccentric. He had obsessive-compulsive disorder and his behavior became increasingly erratic, especially later in life. However, Hughes was also incredibly wealthy and influential. People tolerated his eccentricities in part because of his immense success and contributions to aviation and film. If Hughes had been a poor man with the same behaviors, he might have been institutionalized instead of being remembered as a brilliant but troubled genius.

So, how do you apply this nugget of wisdom? If you’ve got a wild idea or an unconventional way of thinking, don't shy away from it. Embrace it, but also figure out how to make it work for you in a practical sense. Maybe it involves turning a hobby into a side hustle, or finding a niche market where your unique skills are valued. The key is to find a way for your 'crazy' to be seen as valuable rather than problematic.

Imagine this: You’re passionate about creating abstract sculptures from recycled materials. It’s not exactly mainstream and your friends and family might raise an eyebrow. But you believe in what you’re doing. So you start small, maybe selling pieces at local craft fairs or online. Over time, you build a following. Your 'crazy' idea not only earns you money but also garners respect and admiration. Instead of being the oddball, you become the innovative artist who’s ahead of their time.

In a more relatable scenario, think of a teenager obsessed with video games. Parents might worry, thinking it’s a waste of time. But if this teen channels that passion into becoming a game developer, streamer, or esports competitor, suddenly that “crazy” obsession turns into a lucrative career.

In both examples, the key is turning passion into profit or recognition. So, don't be afraid of your eccentricities. Just find a way to make them work for you. Society loves a success story and is much more forgiving of quirks when they come with a paycheck. So, embrace your crazy—just make sure you get paid for it.