R.D. Laing
Homage to Genius
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65828/tvdxzr96Keywords:
R.D. Laing, existentialism, and schizophreniaAbstract
This paper explores the life and work of Laing. His relationships with his mother and father are considered along with his early life experiences. It is thought that because of life-long difficulties with his parents, Laing came to know discontent with living. Laing was a controversial person whose major achievements were arguably in the 1960s. Yet, his contribution to our understanding of mental illness is debated and valued by many to this day. The paper attempts to make links with Laing's personal turmoil and its influence on his ideas about existence, alienation and authenticity. Following psychoanalytic concepts, it is suggested that Laing's theoretical and philosophical ideas were blended with personal experience of the world. In consequence, this discussion proposes that transference conceivably fuelled Lang's creativity along with his poignant demise. …creation arises from despair and ends in failure. (R.D. Laing: The Politics of Experience)
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References
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Delta No. 38, Spring 1966. pp.13-18.
