Communication Quote by Michel Foucault
![“…modern man no longer communicates with the madman […] There is no common language: or rather, it no longer exists; the constitution of madness as mental illness, at the end of the eighteenth century, bears witness to a rupture in a dialogue, gives the separation as already enacted, and expels…” quote by Michel Foucault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/177/michel-foucault-1134_communication_modern-man-no-longer-communicates-with-t_446934.jpg)
““…modern man no longer communicates with the madman […] There is no common language: or rather, it no longer exists; the constitution of madness as mental illness, at the end of the eighteenth century, bears witness to a rupture in a dialogue, gives the separation as already enacted, and expels from the memory all those imperfect words, of no fixed syntax, spoken falteringly, in which the exchange between madness and reason was carried out. The language of psychiatry, which is a monologue by reason about madness, could only have come into existence in such a silence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Madness and Civilization, Michel Foucault, 1961
Modern society has lost a shared language with madness, creating a one‑sided rational discourse that silences the irrational.
In simple terms: Reason dominates, silencing madness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and bridge the gap.
Themes
language
madness
reason
silence
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- mental health advocacy
- interdisciplinary dialogue
- educational reform
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychiatry
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a true dialogue with madness require?
- Can reason and irrational coexist?
A Different Perspective
Risk of romanticizing madness.
