Approval Quote by E. Fuller Torrey
![“The very term ['mental disease'] is nonsensical, a semantic mistake. The two words cannot go together except metaphorically; you can no more have a mental 'disease' than you can have a purple idea or a wise space". Similarly, there can no more be a "mental illness" than there can be a "moral…” quote by E. Fuller Torrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e4e/e-fuller-torrey-63046_approval_the-very-term-mental-disease-is-nonsensi_297011.jpg)
“The very term ['mental disease'] is nonsensical, a semantic mistake. The two words cannot go together except metaphorically; you can no more have a mental 'disease' than you can have a purple idea or a wise space". Similarly, there can no more be a "mental illness" than there can be a "moral illness." The words "mental" and "illness" do not go together logically. Mental "illness" does not exist, and neither does mental "health." These terms indicate only approval or disapproval of some aspect of a person's mentality (thinking, emotions, or behavior).”
About This Quote
Source Book: Anatomy of an Epidemic by E. Fuller Torrey, 2010
The phrase “mental disease” is a linguistic error; mental states cannot be pathological in the same way physical organs can.
In simple terms: Mental illness is a misnomer.
Key Takeaway
Rethink how we label mental health.
Themes
language
psychology
stigma
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical diagnosis
- public policy
- education
- therapy
Key Concepts
semantic analysis
philosophy of mind
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our treatment of mental distress?
- Can we separate stigma from scientific classification?
A Different Perspective
The term may still be useful for coordinating care despite its logical flaws.
![“Over the years it [the National Committee for Mental Hygiene] has championed for the promotion of 'mental health' despite the fact that nobody knows what it is or how to do it.” quote by E. Fuller Torrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/232/e-fuller-torrey-63046_committees_over-the-years-it-the-national-committee_1334898.jpg)
