"No further evidence is needed to show that 'mental illness' is not the name of a biological condition whose nature awaits to be elucidated, but is the name of a concept whose purpose is to obscure the obvious"

This quote by Thomas Szasz recommends that the idea of mental disorder is not a biological condition that can be studied and understood, however rather a concept used to obscure the truth. Szasz is indicating that mental disorder is not a genuine medical condition, however rather a label utilized to describe a variety of habits and experiences that are difficult to discuss. He is suggesting that the principle of mental illness is utilized to avoid looking at the underlying causes of these habits and experiences, such as poverty, trauma, or social oppression. Szasz is also recommending that the idea of mental disorder is utilized to pathologize and stigmatize individuals who are dealing with tough life circumstances. By using the label of mental disorder, it is simpler to ignore the real concerns and instead concentrate on dealing with the signs. Szasz's quote is an effective pointer that we should not rely on the principle of mental illness to rationalize hard behaviors and experiences, however rather look for the underlying causes.