I find that the capacity for creativity often manifests itself as a great sense of unease - an unease which gradually becomes suffering over time - if I don't find avenues to express that creativity. That's where discipline comes in - to direct that creativity towards creating good things rather than being destructive.

I'm afraid I don't know much about the American Civil War, aside from the basics gleaned from television documentaries and very superficial reading. I can't imagine the strain that a man like Grant would have been under, and everybody has their own way of coping with extreme stress. I think we also express ourselves differently at various moments of life. We are stronger at some moments, weaker at other moments. I think one important key is to at least be aware that we should push ourselves towards a higher personal level, even if we don't necessarily achieve it. I find it easy to be disciplined when I'm feeling strong. It's when I'm down, and weak, that discipline wavers, and that's when the true test begins!