Laing, R. D. (Ronald David), 1927-1989

Ronald David Laing was born in Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland, in 1927. He started at Hutchesons' Boys' Grammar School, Glasgow, in 1932 where he excelled in Classics and Music being elected a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music on 30th March 1944, and an associate of the Royal College of Music in April 1945. During his time at school he also read numerous works of philosophy, including Freud, Marx, Nietzsche and especially Kierkegaard.

Laing attended the University of Glasgow between 1945-1951, studying medicine and graduating MB ChB on the second attempt in 1951. During this time he worked briefly as a houseman on a psychiatric ward, which inspired him to pursue psychiatry.

...