Learn About Immanuel Velikovsky: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life and Education

Immanuel Velikovsky was born on June 10, 1895, in Vitebsk, Belarus, to parents Shimon Velikovsky and Beila Grodensky. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in literature and history, which would later shape his controversial theories about Earth's past. Velikovsky attended the prestigious Medvednikov Gymnasium in Moscow, where he graduated with a gold medal in 1913.

Academic Pursuits

After completing his secondary education, Velikovsky went on to study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He later transferred to the University of Moscow, where he earned a medical degree in 1921. Despite his background in medicine, Velikovsky was drawn to the study of psychology and psychiatry, which led him to pursue a Ph.D. in the field.

Psychology and Controversy

Throughout his career, Immanuel Velikovsky gained notoriety for his unconventional views on historical events and psychology. In 1950, he published his most famous work, Worlds in Collision, which quickly became a bestseller in the United States. In this book, Velikovsky argued that Earth had experienced catastrophic close encounters with other planets, specifically Venus and Mars, in the distant past.

• Velikovsky's theories were heavily criticized by mainstream scientists and historians, who deemed them pseudoscientific and lacking in evidence.
• Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Velikovsky continued to defend his theories and gained a loyal following of supporters who believed in his unorthodox ideas.

Legacy and Influence

Immanuel Velikovsky's impact on the fields of psychology and history cannot be understated. His willingness to challenge established beliefs and think outside the box helped pave the way for future scholars and researchers to explore new ideas and theories. Although he faced considerable opposition during his lifetime, Velikovsky's legacy continues to inspire those who dare to question the status quo.

Aside from his academic pursuits, Velikovsky was also a devoted family man. He cherished his relationships with his parents and siblings, who supported him throughout his career despite the controversy that surrounded his work. In addition, Velikovsky played a key role in the founding of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he collaborated with other prominent thinkers, including philosopher Joseph Raz.

Immanuel Velikovsky passed away on November 17, 1979, but his work lives on as a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and the importance of challenging conventional wisdom.