The Divided Self

Explore the complexities of mental health with R.D. Laing's seminal work, The Divided Self. This influential book dives deep into the nature of madness, shedding light on mental illness through a perspective that is both profound and accessible. Laing challenges conventional views, arguing that psychosis results from the 'divided self'—the conflict between our true selves and the persona we display to society. This Penguin Modern Classics edition, enriched with an insightful introduction by Professor Anthony S. David, is a vital read for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, and the human condition. With 218 pages of compelling narrative, Laing's unique insights into personal alienation and existential themes make this book a cornerstone of modern psychiatric literature. Celebrate the shift Laing initiated in understanding mental illness, emphasizing empathy and the human experience. Whether you're a psychology student, a professional, or simply a curious reader, The Divided Self offers an engaging exploration into the mind's intricacies. Discover more about R.D. Laing's visionary ideas and how they resonate in contemporary discussions around mental well-being. Order now and delve into this transformative book about the intersection of self and sanity, while enjoying the benefits of our FREE shipping. Perfect for those who appreciated works like Sigmund Freud's exploration of the unconscious, this edition is a must-have for your collection.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780141189376
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2010
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 218


Description:
His groundbreaking exploration of the nature of madness, R.D. Laing's The Divided Self illuminated the nature mental illness, making the mysteries of the mind comprehensible to a lay audience. This Penguin Modern Classics edition includes an introduction by Professor Anthony S. David.
First published in 1960, this watershed work aimed to make madness comprehensible, and in doing so revolutionized the way we perceive mental illness. Using case studies of patients he had worked with, psychiatrist R. D. Laing argued that psychosis is not a medical condition, but an outcome of the 'divided self', or the tension between the two personas within us- one our authentic, private identity, and the other the false, 'sane' self that we present to the world.
Laing's radical approach to insanity offered a rich existential analysis of personal alienation and made him a cult figure in the 1960s, yet his work was most significant for its humane attitude, which put the patient back at the centre of treatment.
R.D. Laing (1927-1989), one of the best-known psychiatrists of modern times, was born in Glasgow, Scotland. R.D. Laing's writings range from books on social theory to verse, as well as numerous articles and reviews in scientific journals and the popular press. His many publications include The Divided Self, Self and Others, Interpersonal Perception, The Politics of Experience and The Bird of Paradise, and Madness and Folly.
If you enjoyed The Divided Self, you might like Sigmund Freud's The Joke and Its Relation to the Unconscious, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.
'One of the twentieth century's most influential psychotherapists'
Guardian
'Laing challen
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