The term "mad scientist" is a stereotypical portrayal of a scientist who is typically depicted as being eccentric, unstable and possibly dangerous. This character type often appears in popular culture such as movies or literature, where they are often the villain, conducting wild experiments with little regard for consequences. The phrase implies that their intelligence has driven them to the brink of insanity, causing them to act irrationally and recklessly. However, this is a purely fictional depiction and there are no real-life examples of scientists who fit this description.