Thomas Stephen Szasz Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Stephen Szasz.

Thomas Stephen Szasz (1920-2012) was a prominent Hungarian-American psychiatrist and academic. He is best known for his critical examination of psychiatry and the concept of mental illness. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Szasz immigrated to the United States in 1938 and later obtained his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Throughout his career, Szasz challenged traditional psychiatric views, arguing that mental illnesses do not have a biological basis and should be understood as problems of living rather than medical conditions. He asserted that psychiatry often pathologizes normal behavior and is used to control and oppress individuals. Szasz was a strong advocate for individual rights and autonomy, believing that people should be free to live as they choose as long as they do not harm others.

Szasz is best known for his groundbreaking work, "The Myth of Mental Illness" published in 1961, which has had a profound influence on the field of psychiatry. He argued that mental illness is a metaphorical concept used to stigmatize and control those deemed deviant from societal norms. This work garnered both praise and criticism, as it challenged mainstream psychiatric beliefs and questioned the increasing medicalization of mental health issues.

With his work on the critique of psychiatry, Szasz sparked important debates about the nature of mental illness and the role of psychiatry in society. His ideas continue to play a significant role in shaping discussions around mental health and the boundaries of medicalization. Thomas Szasz passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of critical thinking and advocacy for individual freedom.

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.

Thomas Stephen Szasz


In the United States today, there is a pervasive tendency to

In the United States today, there is a pervasive tendency to treat children as adults, and adults as children. The options of children are thus steadily expanded, while those of adults are progressively constricted. The result is unruly children and childish adults.

Thomas Stephen Szasz

Parenting Children Inspirational