The film A Beautiful Mind tells the story of John Nash, a famous mathematician, who begins to suffer from schizophrenia during his research at Princeton University . The film showcases some of the battles Nash went through as he attempted to continue his mathematical research. The film addresses a major social problem: the ability of people with mental illness to express themselves in society. The article “The Patient Scientist” also addresses the issue of performance in society; the article focuses its attention on a doctor suffering from cancer. Mental and physical disabilities do not impede the ability to be a productive member of society. The individual's motivation and the resources available to them are better indicators of productivity for people with mental or physical limitations. The article “The Patient Scientist” tells the story of a doctor diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The author, Katherine Harmon, describes some of the things that doctor Ralph M. Steinman experienced while battling his cancer. Steinman was enthusiastically involved in his research, and the research he conducted early in his career helped him fight his cancer: "In 2007, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, an unforgiving disease that kills four out of five patients in one year. Ultimately, the cells he discovered early in his career and the friends he made along the way will not only help him fight his cancer, but extend his life just long enough for him allow you to win the Noble Prize. » (Harmon 261). Steinman found himself in an unusual situation: Most people with cancer don't have the same knowledge as him. Despite his physical limitations he chose to use his knowledge to continue h...... middle of paper ......k there unless he was able to manage his illness; he had to find a way to control the visions. Nash was able to ignore the imaginary people and do a great job at Princeton: his efforts at Princeton earned him a noble prize. Despite Nash's mental limitations, he was able to continue the research he loved. Without this determination, Nash would not have been able to continue his work. Willpower is a superior indicator of a person's ability to perform in society compared to their physical and mental abilities. Steinman was able to continue his research and treat patients while suffering from cancer. Thanks to his determination, he was able to continue his work. In comparison, Nash was also able to lead a normal life despite the limitations placed on him. Nash and Steinman were determined to live productive lives.