George Herbert Mead

Date of Birth: February 27, 1863

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 26, 1931

Biography

George Herbert Mead was an American philosopher, sociologist, and psychologist, primarily associated with the University of Chicago. He is considered one of the founders of social psychology and the American sociological tradition. Mead’s work focused on the development of the self and the objectivity of the world within the social realm. He is best known for his theory of the social self, which emphasizes the role of communication in the development of the individual and society. Mead’s ideas were highly influential in the development of symbolic interactionism, a major theoretical perspective in sociology. Although he did not publish many books during his lifetime, his students compiled his lectures and notes into several influential works after his death, including “Mind, Self, and Society.”

5 Interesting Facts about George Herbert Mead

1. George Herbert Mead was a key figure in the development of the philosophy of pragmatism.

2. His concept of the “generalized other” is pivotal in understanding how individuals internalize societal norms.

3. Mead studied under the prominent philosopher Wilhelm Wundt in Germany.

4. He was a member of the Metaphysical Club, which included other notable philosophers such as William James and John Dewey.

5. Mead’s work laid the foundation for later sociological theories on the development of identity and social interaction.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Herbert Mead

1. “Society is unity in diversity.”

2. “The self is something which has a development; it is not initially there, at birth, but arises in the process of social experience and activity.”

3. “Social psychology is especially interested in the effect which the social group has in the determination of the experience and conduct of the individual member.”

4. “The past is in the present, but the present is not in the past.”

5. “The self has the characteristic that it is an object to itself, and that characteristic distinguishes it from other objects and from the body.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Herbert Mead’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he was primarily an academic and not involved in commercial enterprises. His contributions were more intellectual than financial.