Date of Birth: September 22, 1909
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: May 10, 2002
Biography
David Riesman was an influential American sociologist, educator, and author, best known for his seminal work “The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character” (1950), which he co-authored with Nathan Glazer and Reuel Denney. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Riesman initially pursued a career in law, graduating from Harvard Law School in 1937. He served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis before transitioning to academia. Riesman’s “The Lonely Crowd” examined the social character of Americans and introduced concepts such as “inner-directed” and “other-directed” personalities, exploring how societal changes influenced individual behavior. His work had a profound impact on the field of sociology and popular culture, making him a prominent figure in mid-20th-century intellectual circles. Throughout his career, Riesman taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and Harvard University. His contributions to sociology extended beyond his published works; he was also a mentor to many students and an active participant in public discourse on social issues.
5 Interesting Facts about David Riesman
1. David Riesman was initially trained as a lawyer and served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis.
2. Riesman’s “The Lonely Crowd” was the first sociological work to become a bestseller in the United States.
3. He was a professor at the University of Chicago and later at Harvard University, where he influenced many future sociologists.
4. Riesman was awarded the National Book Award in 1951 for “The Lonely Crowd.”
5. He was actively involved in public discourse and wrote numerous articles on higher education and social issues.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Riesman
1. “The idea that men who work in offices are not creative is to misunderstand the nature of creativity.”
2. “In a society in which it is a moral offense to be different from your neighbor, your only escape is never to let them find out.”
3. “There is a tendency in our planning to confuse the unfamiliar with the improbable.”
4. “Affluence means influence.”
5. “The future is embedded in the present.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
David Riesman’s net worth was not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to sociology were invaluable.
Children
David Riesman had four children: two sons, David Riesman Jr. and Paul Riesman, and two daughters, Susan Riesman and Pamela Riesman.
Relevant Links
1. [David Riesman – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Riesman
2. [The Lonely Crowd – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lonely_Crowd
4. [David Riesman – Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Riesman
