Robert Staughton Lynd

Date of Birth: September 26, 1892

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: November 1, 1970

Biography

Robert Staughton Lynd was a prominent American sociologist and university professor, best known for his work in community studies and urban sociology. Born into a scholarly family, Lynd was immersed in academic life from a young age. He gained widespread recognition through his groundbreaking research on the social and economic conditions in the United States, particularly in the small Midwestern city of Muncie, Indiana. This research, conducted alongside his wife, Helen Merrell Lynd, culminated in the publication of two influential books, “Middletown: A Study in Contemporary American Culture” (1929) and its sequel “Middletown in Transition: A Study in Cultural Conflicts” (1937). These works provided an in-depth examination of American life, particularly focusing on the impacts of industrialization and modernization. Lynd’s academic career included positions at several prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, where he influenced generations of students and scholars. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of sociology, particularly in the areas of community studies, cultural analysis, and the sociology of knowledge.

5 Interesting Facts about Robert Staughton Lynd

1. Robert and Helen Lynd’s “Middletown” studies are considered pioneering works in the field of community sociology.

2. Lynd was a significant critic of contemporary American culture, often highlighting issues of inequality and materialism.

3. He served as a professor at Columbia University for many years, where he influenced the development of sociology as an academic discipline.

4. The “Middletown” studies were among the first to use empirical research methods to study community life in the United States.

5. Lynd was awarded the Lasker Award in 1950 for his contributions to the understanding of human behavior.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Robert Staughton Lynd

1. “Knowledge is power only if man knows what facts not to bother with.”

2. “The real community of man is the community of those who seek the truth, of the potential knowers.”

3. “Every discovery in pure science is potentially subversive; even science must sometimes be treated as a possible enemy.”

4. “No man can be intellectually insulted. Insult, in the long run, is only injurious to the insulting party.”

5. “The greatest achievements of the human mind are generally received with distrust.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Robert Staughton Lynd’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his contributions were primarily academic and scholarly rather than financial.

Children

Robert Staughton Lynd had two children, Staughton Lynd, a noted historian and social activist, and Andrea Lynd, whose professional background is less well-known.