Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt (1832-1920)

As a young physician and physiologist, Wilhelm Wundt investigated into human sensory perceptions and found his way to philosophy. His research work between the poles of natural science on the one side and humanities on the other side, laid foundations for a new discipline: Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) became one of the decisive founding fathers of psychology. The extraordinary amount and quality of work, which he performed during all his life, can be understood through his personality. The clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Georg Lamberti illustrates this personality in his extensive biography on Wilhelm Wundt: Health crises and how to cope with them, a pronounced serenity, regularity and discipline, friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness. Science was his continuous obsession, as was his political commitment such as for workers‘ education, liberalisation of society, German unity, and standing up against radicalisation and war. Wundt only travelled abroad when necessary. He did not attend congresses. He went for walks regularly. He was sociable – to a certain degree – and had a happy, harmonious family life; there is no known history of private conflicts. After the death of his wife, at an advanced age, his daughter took care of him until the end of his life.