Date of Birth: October 31, 1905
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: December 6, 1981
Biography
Harry Harlow was an influential American psychologist best known for his research on social behavior and development, particularly through his work with rhesus monkeys. Born on October 31, 1905, in Fairfield, Iowa, Harlow originally studied English before shifting his focus to psychology, earning his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1930. Harlow’s groundbreaking experiments in the mid-20th century demonstrated the importance of caregiving and companionship in social and cognitive development. His most famous studies involved infant rhesus monkeys and their attachment to surrogate mothers made of wire and cloth. These experiments profoundly affected our understanding of child development, especially the significance of emotional bonds and maternal care. Throughout his career, Harlow received many accolades, including the National Medal of Science in 1967. He held positions at various prestigious institutions, and his work has had a lasting impact on psychology, influencing both theory and practice.
5 Interesting Facts about Harry Harlow
1. Harlow’s real name was Harry Israel, but he changed it to Harlow in 1930 to avoid anti-Semitic prejudice.
2. His work led to the development of modern attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of early emotional bonds.
3. Harlow’s research contributed to changes in how orphanages and childcare institutions approached caregiving.
4. He was a president of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1958.
5. Harlow’s work was controversial for its ethical implications, particularly regarding animal welfare.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Harlow
1. “So far as love or affection is concerned, psychologists have failed in their mission.”
2. “Mother love is a feeling that cannot be observed, it can only be inferred.”
3. “Learning to love is much more complex than learning simple avoidance reactions.”
4. “The infant-mother relationship is the prototype for all social relations.”
5. “We learn to love not because we are taught, but because we observe and experience love.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Highest net worth achieved: Not publicly documented, but he was a well-funded academic with substantial research grants.
Children
Harry Harlow had two children with his first wife, Clara Mears Harlow: Robert Harlow and Peggy Harlow Breese.
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