Wendell Johnson

Date of Birth: April 16, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 29, 1965

Biography

Wendell Johnson was an influential American psychologist and speech pathologist, best known for his pioneering work in the field of stuttering. Born in Roxbury, Kansas, Johnson rose to prominence through his research and academic contributions at the University of Iowa, where he earned both his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. His most notable work, “The Onset of Stuttering in Children,” brought significant insights into the causes and treatment of stuttering, emphasizing the role of environmental factors and self-perception in the development of speech disorders. In addition to his academic career, Johnson authored several influential books, including “People in Quandaries” and “Your Most Enchanted Listener,” which have been widely cited in the fields of psychology and speech pathology.

5 Interesting Facts about Wendell Johnson

1. Wendell Johnson is best known for the “Monster Study,” an experiment on stuttering conducted in 1939, which has been highly controversial due to its ethical implications.

2. He coined the term “general semantics” and was heavily influenced by the work of Alfred Korzybski.

3. Johnson served as the Director of the University of Iowa’s Speech Clinic, where he made significant contributions to the study of communication disorders.

4. He was a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles and books on speech pathology and general semantics.

5. Johnson’s work has had a lasting impact on the treatment and understanding of stuttering, making him a seminal figure in the field of speech pathology.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wendell Johnson

1. “Stuttering is not a symptom of neurosis but is the result of anticipatory struggles.”

2. “The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.”

3. “One of the hardest things to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.”

4. “The more one studies stuttering, the more one realizes that it is a disorder of the person, not just of speech.”

5. “Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Wendell Johnson’s exact net worth is not widely documented, as his lifetime largely predates the era of extensive financial tracking of academic professionals. However, his influence and contributions to the field of psychology and speech pathology are considered invaluable.

Children

Wendell Johnson had a son, Nicholas Johnson, who went on to become a well-respected law professor and a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).