When the connection is broken or faulty between the desire body and the mind, we have the raving maniac who is violent and dangerous. And when the connection is defective between the Ego and the mind, we have what we might call a soulless man, the most dangerous of all, gifted with a cunning that is usually at some unexpected time put to a most diabolical use. If we consider the body, or the different bodies, as musical instruments upon which the Ego is playing, then when every connection is perfect the Ego can bring out a more or less beautiful symphony of life according to its stage in evolution. But when the connections are faulty or broken the Ego is like a musician forced to exercise his talent with an instrument lacking a number of the strings, and he is therefore unable to bring out anything but discord. From the spiritual point of view it is not hereditary for, as already stated, insanity is not a defect in the Ego.
Musicians congregate in music halls, at concerts, and similar places.
They also seek birth in the families of musicians because there the instruments needed, long slender fingers and an ear in which the semi-circular canals are properly placed, can be obtained, which will give them the ability to express music. Sporting men and gamblers flock together at race tracks and in gambling dens. Thieves have their resorts, and so on. Similarly, those with a certain defect in their character are attracted to families which have the same defect. Hence if we view the problem of insanity from the form side, it may be said that it is hereditary.