People who are naturally drawn to introspection are 1) more likely to be depressed, and 2) prefer an introspective/mental gymnastics environment such as academia. Once there, the petty bickering, backstabbing, intra/inter departmental squabbling, fights with administration add a further layer of depression. Of course, being subjected to a paternalistic, hirerachical (or however it's spelled, don't impose your spelling on me) white male imperialistic society would make any delicate flower depressed. (Did I throw in enough gratuitous bashing of the politically correct variety?)

I doubt it’s an either/or question. Looking at my co-workers—or me, for that matter—a case could be made that depressives are drawn to academic careers. Of course, once a disproportionate number of depressives are working in academia, the environment will be less than festive.

Still, it’s got to be better than getting a real job. I’ve been out in the business world, and I don’t see how people can stand it. Everyone is so infuriatingly perky.

True depression is being told you'll be paid $1,725 to teach a class, but when the chair realizes you have your Ph.D. tells you it will be $1,800.