Laing's Models of Madness

Abstract

Bright young schizophrenics, like bright young people generally, are interested in reading about their condition. From the vast and varied selection of literature available to them, they appear to show a marked preference for R. D. Laing's The Politics of Experience (1967). The present authors, like other members of the 'square’ older generation, are of the opinion that they know what is best, and that this book is not good for these patients. It is an appealing book, and emotionally there is not a false note in it. This alone makes it important. But it contains treacherous confusions, and while we do not presume to make choices for our young friends we do feel that it is our duty to clarify the alternatives as presented in this book.