The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions

Michael, his parents, and the Yale Law School professors believe his time at Yale will aid his recovery.

Michael tells his Yale classmates that he has a disability without specifying that it is schizophrenia. Consequently, they help him by taking notes, reading to him, and typing his work. At the same time, fellow students seem to accept that Michael is a genius.

Jane Ferber’s psychologist friend Bonnie is the only member of the Network who doubts that Yale will be good for Michael. From her experience of working with schizophrenic patients, Bonnie knows that even positive change can cause health setbacks. She contacts Bo Burt, an old friend and Yale law professor, telling him that Yale Law School needs to be the equivalent of a “day hospital” for Michael.

Michael is invited to Yale earlier than other students to settle in. However, when he arrives, there is no bed in his room. Michael becomes agitated, and Chuck is unable to calm him down. Hearing what has occurred, Guido Calabresi and the assistant dean, Steve Yandle, carry a bed into Michael’s room. Guido tells Michael that there are many students with disabilities at Yale for whom they have made ramps.