Konrad Lorenz

Date of Birth: November 7, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: February 27, 1989

Biography

Konrad Lorenz was an Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist who is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of modern ethology, the study of animal behavior. Born on November 7, 1903, in Vienna, Austria, Lorenz developed a deep interest in animals from a young age. He pursued his education in zoology and medicine at the University of Vienna, where he earned his doctorate in 1933. Lorenz’s groundbreaking work in animal behavior, particularly his studies on imprinting in birds, earned him global recognition. His observations on how young birds follow and form attachments to the first moving object they see, usually their mother, greatly contributed to our understanding of animal behavior and development. In 1973, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, alongside Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch, for their discoveries concerning organization and elicitation of individual and social behavior patterns in animals. Throughout his career, Lorenz published numerous influential works, including “King Solomon’s Ring” and “On Aggression.” His contributions extended beyond academia, influencing fields such as psychology, anthropology, and even artificial intelligence. Konrad Lorenz passed away on February 27, 1989, in Altenberg, Austria, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of ethology.

5 Interesting Facts about Konrad Lorenz

1. Konrad Lorenz was initially interested in studying human medicine before switching his focus to zoology.

2. He served as a physician in the German army during World War II and was later captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Soviet Union.

3. Lorenz was a passionate advocate for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

4. His book “On Aggression” explored the evolutionary aspects of aggression in animals and humans, sparking both acclaim and controversy.

5. Lorenz was instrumental in founding the Institute of Comparative Ethology in Altenberg, Austria.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Konrad Lorenz

1. “The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.”

2. “Much of modern-day angst and anxiety stems from the fact that we have lost contact with our natural surroundings.”

3. “It is a good morning exercise for a research scientist to discard a pet hypothesis every day before breakfast. It keeps him young.”

4. “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.”

5. “Truth in science can be defined as the working hypothesis best suited to open the way to the next better one.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Konrad Lorenz’s work was primarily academic, and he did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His highest net worth is not publicly recorded, but his influence and contributions to science were invaluable.