First Edition, Penguin 1980.
 
The Language of Madness by David Cooper explores the concept of madness from an existential and anti-psychiatric perspective, challenging conventional views on mental illness. As one of the pioneers of the anti-psychiatry movement, Cooper argues that society, rather than the individual, often imposes madness through oppressive structures and norms. He examines how language and societal expectations shape the diagnosis and treatment of those deemed "mad" and questions the validity of psychiatric labels, suggesting they can be tools of social control.
 
Cooper advocates for a more humane, empathetic approach to mental health, viewing so-called "madness" as a potential pathway to authentic self-expression and liberation from societal constraints. Throughout the book, he calls for a reevaluation of how we perceive and respond to mental divergence, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals on their own terms. The Language of Madness is both a critique of psychiatry and a call to expand our understanding of consciousness and personal freedom.