Paul Goodman

Date of Birth: September 9, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 2, 1972

Biography

Paul Goodman was an influential American novelist, playwright, poet, essayist, and social critic. Born on September 9, 1911, in New York City, Goodman became a prominent figure in the 20th-century literary and intellectual scenes. He was a prolific writer whose work spanned various genres and addressed a broad range of social issues, including education reform, urban planning, and psychotherapeutic practices. Goodman’s early life was marked by financial instability, and his father abandoned the family when Paul was young. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, eventually earning a degree from the City College of New York. He continued his studies at the University of Chicago, where he developed his interests in literature and philosophy. Throughout his career, Goodman published numerous works, including his acclaimed novel “Growing Up Absurd” (1960), which critiques the failures of American society to provide meaningful roles for young people. He was also a co-founder of Gestalt Therapy, a therapeutic approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and living in the present moment. Goodman’s outspoken views and unconventional lifestyle made him a controversial figure, but his contributions to literature and social thought have left a lasting impact. He passed away on August 2, 1972, in North Stratford, New Hampshire.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Goodman

1. Paul Goodman was openly bisexual, and his work often explored themes of sexuality and personal freedom.

2. He co-founded the Gestalt Therapy movement with Fritz Perls and Laura Perls.

3. “Growing Up Absurd” became a seminal text in the 1960s counterculture movement.

4. Goodman was a vocal critic of American educational systems, advocating for more personalized and student-centered approaches.

5. He wrote over 30 books during his lifetime, ranging from fiction to social criticism and educational theory.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Goodman

1. “Growing up absurd in a society that is absurd is not an absurdity.”

2. “Suppose you had the revolution you are talking and dreaming about. Suppose your side had won, and you had the kind of society that you wanted. How would you live, you personally, in that society? Start living that way now!”

3. “The hardest thing to teach is how to live in a society that is, in fact, absurd.”

4. “The roots of creativity are in the need for love and recognition.”

5. “Making sense of the world is not an intellectual exercise; it is an emotional and existential necessity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Paul Goodman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he was more focused on his literary and social contributions than on financial gain. However, his works continue to be influential and are still in print today.

Children

Paul Goodman had three children: Mathew Ready, Daisy Goodman, and Susan Goodman. His relationships with his children were complex, influenced by his unconventional lifestyle and career demands.