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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Divided Self summary
Ronald D. Laing
An Existential Study in Sanity and Madness
18 mins
Brief summary
"The Divided Self" by Ronald D. Laing is a seminal work on the concept of madness and its societal implications. Laing argues that madness is a rational response to an insane world. His insights on the subjective experience of mental illness are still relevant today.
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The Divided Self
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Key idea 1 of 8
Most of us perceive our distinct personalities in early childhood, leading to a safe sense of self.
Would you say you know yourself? Where does your sense of identity come from? Did you always have it, or did it develop over time?
As it turns out, babies aren’t born with a sense of identity, as they’ve never experienced life as themselves or encountered anyone else. They aren’t yet aware that they are distinct beings, separate from the others around them.
They haven’t discovered that they alone have direct access to their own experiences – that if they feel pain, for instance, that pain is theirs alone, and doesn’t pervade the world.
Nor are babies aware of the fact that other people are likewise distinct beings with their own separate consciousness. They don’t know, for example, that the breast or bottle that feeds them belongs to someone else. They don’t even know that they can be seen or perceived by other people!
Typically, children begin developing a stable sense of identity during infancy. This process occurs as young children interact with their parents or guardians. But how exactly?
Typically, if a young child expresses a need – if he cries when hungry, for example – his parents will respond to that need. As this process is replicated over time, the baby begins to understand several important things: first, that his behaviors, like crying or giggling, elicit specific reactions; second, that he is a discrete entity, separate from the others around him; and finally, that the other beings around him, like his mother and father, are aware of his existence.
During this process of self-discovery and the development of self-consciousness, parents treat the baby as a complete and self-conscious person. Almost instinctively, parents interpret their children’s behaviors as expressions of personality, even though their personalities haven’t yet developed. Their projections nonetheless influence the child’s emerging sense of self.
But as you’ll see, not all children develop the same understanding of themselves and the world.
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What is The Divided Self about?
Most people never question the “realness” of their body. The Divided Self (1960) offers unique insights into the minds of those who do, and examines the practical and psychological consequences of their detachment from their own bodies.
The Divided Self Review
The Divided Self (1960) by Ronald D. Laing explores the concept of madness and its relationship to the self. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The book offers a refreshing perspective on mental illness, challenging traditional ideas and providing a thought-provoking examination of the human mind.
- Through detailed case studies and compelling narratives, Laing sheds light on the subjective experience of psychosis, helping readers develop a deeper understanding of mental health.
- By questioning the conventional approach to treating mental illness, the book fosters critical thinking and promotes a compassionate understanding of individuals struggling with their mental well-being.
Best quote from The Divided Self
The sense of identity requires the existence of another by whom one is known.
—Ronald D. Laing
Who should read The Divided Self?
- Anyone who wants to understand their reclusive neighbor
- Anyone interested in how people afflicted with psychological ailments perceive the world
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The Divided Self FAQs
What is the main message of The Divided Self?
The main message of The Divided Self is the exploration of the experiences of those who have schizophrenia.
How long does it take to read The Divided Self?
The reading time for The Divided Self varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is The Divided Self a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Divided Self is worth reading for its insightful examination of schizophrenia and its impact on the self. It provides unique perspectives and challenges traditional notions of mental illness.
Who is the author of The Divided Self?
The author of The Divided Self is Ronald D. Laing.
What to read after The Divided Self?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Divided Self, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Toward a Psychology of Being by Abraham H. Maslow
- Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore
- The Personality Brokers by Merve Emre
- Me, Myself and Us by Brian R. Little
- Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung
- Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
- The Horse by Timothy C. Winegard
- Become What You Are by Alan Watts