R. D. Laing

A clinical Psychiatrist who made some very daring assertions about schizophrenia. He wrote a book (among a few) that is called: 'Knots'. They are a collection of brilliant poems/mind-games/short-circuiting logic exercises. Below are a few excerpts from 'Knots' (Italian Version)

'''They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game.''' If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game.

There is something I don't know that I am supposed to know. I don't know what it is I don't know, and yet I am supposed to know...

There must be something the matter with him because he would not be acting as he does unless there was therefore he is acting as he is       because there is something the matter with him

He does not think there is anything the matter with him because one of the things that is       the matter with him is that he does not think that there is anything the matter with him therefore we have to help him realize that, the fact that he does not think there is anything the matter with him is one of the things that is       the matter with him

If I don't know I don't know I think I know If I don't know I know I think I don't know

A son should respect his father he should not have to be taught to respect his father It is something that is natural That’s how I’ve brought up my son anyway.

Of course a father must be worthy of respect He can’t forfeit a son’s respect But I hope at least my son will respct me, if only for leaving him free to respect me or not.

The Outside Poem + other poems from 'Knots'