What is madness? In their efforts to answer this eternal question, psychoanalysis, neurobiology, and antipsychiatry often fall into excessive debate. How is it possible to see clearly in this world of alienation, one which inspires terror and provokes exclusion? E. Zarifian gives an overall view of the progress and limits of psychiatry today and shows that beyond theoretical quarrels, only attention, compassion, and respect of the human person can guarantee a cure for madness.