The homeless man who went to Harvard Law with John Roberts

photo of beggar woman reading the book in underground subway

On July 13, 2015 Washington Post writer, Terrence McCoy, wrote the first of two stories about Alfred Postell. Postell was a Harvard Law student that would eventually become schizophrenic and ultimately homeless.

“That few remember what happened to Postell perhaps betrays the illness that seized him. Schizophrenia creeps. Some people, especially those as accomplished as Postell, can hide their symptoms for months. As the victim withdraws from social and work life, plunging into isolation, relatives, friends and co-workers may not notice anything amiss.

Then there’s a snap. Psychologists refer to this moment as a “psychotic break” or a “first break.” It’s when a victim’s slackening grip on reality finally ruptures, cleaving their lives into two clear categories: before and after.”

Read the whole story here.

Similar Posts

  • Cognitive Support, Not Clinical Services

    At Greendoor, we don’t provide psychiatric services — and we don’t pretend to. But we recognize that many people exploring nootropics are navigating complex mental health experiences, from ADHD and anxiety to burnout and brain fog. We exist to support informed, responsible self-experimentation — and to encourage dialogue between users, clinicians, and the broader public….

  • Who We Serve

    Greendoor exists for the thinkers, the strivers, and the curious — those navigating a world where mental performance is increasingly everything. Whether you’re studying for finals, building a startup, or simply trying to stay sharp through life’s demands, we’re here to help you make informed, ethical decisions about cognitive enhancement. 🎓 Students Under Pressure From…

  • Mental Health, Metabolism, and Cognitive Clarity

    At Greendoor, we focus on cognitive enhancement — but we understand that mental performance doesn’t exist in isolation. Physical health, especially chronic conditions like diabetes, has a direct and profound impact on how we think, feel, and function. The connection between blood sugar, mood, focus, and brain fog is real — and often overlooked. Diabetes…

  • Why Mental Health Reform Matters for Cognitive Wellness

    At Greendoor, we explore the frontiers of cognitive enhancement — but we know you can’t separate nootropics from the broader systems people live in. Mental health isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s shaped by access, stigma, and outdated policies. That’s why we advocate for a more responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to mental health —…

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What are nootropics? Nootropics — sometimes called “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers — are substances that may improve mental functions like memory, focus, alertness, or motivation. Some are prescription medications (e.g., modafinil, methylphenidate), while others are over-the-counter compounds, herbs, or dietary supplements. Are nootropics safe? Safety depends entirely on the compound, the dosage, the individual,…

  • What We Do

    At Greendoor, we make sense of nootropics — without the hype, misinformation, or false promises. We explore the science, ethics, and everyday realities of cognitive enhancement in a world where mental performance is often a prerequisite for success. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, we give you the tools to think clearly about thinking…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *