Immanuel Velikovsky

Introduction:

Immanuel Velikovsky was a brilliant psychologist and scholar born in 1895 in Vitebsk, Belarus. He is known for his theories that challenged traditional interpretations of historical events. His book "Worlds in Collision" became a best-seller in the US and sparked a heated debate within the academic community.

Basic Information and Background:

Immanuel Velikovsky grew up in a Jewish family in Belarus. His parents were Shimon Velikovsky and Beila Grodensky. He attended Medvednikov Gymnasium in Moscow, where he graduated with a gold medal in 1913. He went on to receive a medical degree at the University of Moscow in 1921. However, Velikovsky's passion was always in the humanities, and he later pursued a Ph.D. in the history of science.

Career and Important Events:

Velikovsky worked as a private psychoanalyst in Palestine before moving to the United States in 1939. In the US, he continued to work as a psychoanalyst and also pursued his interest in historical research. In 1950, his book "Worlds in Collision" was published, which proposed a controversial theory that the Earth had experienced close contacts with other planets in the solar system. The book became a sensation and was widely discussed within the scientific and academic community.

Personality and Motivation:

Velikovsky was a controversial figure who was not afraid to challenge established beliefs. He was motivated by a desire to explore new ideas and challenge traditional interpretations of historical events. He had a strong sense of curiosity and a passion for understanding the world around him. He was highly intelligent and creative, but at times, his theories were considered far-fetched or speculative.

Before Becoming Famous:

Before becoming famous, Velikovsky faced many challenges. He lived through two World Wars and the Russian Revolution, which had a profound impact on his worldview. He also faced opposition from some members of the academic community, who dismissed his theories as unfounded. However, he persevered with his research and gained a following of supporters who admired his innovative ideas.

Family Life:

Velikovsky was married to Elisheva Kramer, and they had two daughters together. His family was a source of support and motivation throughout his life, and he often credited them with inspiring him to continue pursuing his research.

Linked to Other People in the Industry:

Velikovsky was a founder of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was closely associated with many leading intellectuals of his time. He counted philosophers and historians among his friends, including Joseph Raz, the renowned philosopher who matriculated from Hebrew University. Velikovsky also had critics and detractors, who disagreed with his theories and sought to discredit his research. However, his impact on the field of psychology and history remains significant to this day.