Origins & Early Life

Aleksei Nikolayevich Leontiev (Russian: Алексе́й Никола́евич Лео́нтьев, IPA: [lʲɪˈonʲtʲjɪf]; February 18, 1903 – January 21, 1979), was a Soviet Russian developmental psychologist and philosopher and a founder of activity theory. He was born and died in Moscow. Aleksei Leontiev's life was closely linked to the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU). In 1921, he began his studies at the historical-philological faculty of the university.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The historical-philological faculty, at the time, included a Department of Philosophy at which Georgy Chelpanov was teaching psychology, and Leontiev studied psychology with him. In 1924, Leontiev graduated from what became the Faculty of Social Sciences. Leontiev worked with Lev Vygotsky and Alexander Luria from 1924 to 1930, collaborating on the development of Marxist psychology as a response to behaviorism and the focus on the stimulus-response mechanism as an explanation for human behavior. Leontiev left Vygotsky's group in Moscow in 1931, to take up a position in Kharkiv. He continued to work with Vygotsky for some time but, eventually, there was a split, although they continued to communicate with one another on scientific matters...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alan Paton — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering South African author and anti-apartheid activist.
• Amy Johnson — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering English aviator, first woman to fly solo from London to Australia.
• Anaïs Nin — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering diarist and author whose intimate writings explored sexuality and the subconscious.
• A. P. Elkin — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Influential Australian anthropologist and Anglican clergyman (1891–1979)
• A. Philip Randolph — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Aaliyah — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): Pioneering R&B artist known for redefining urban pop and hip hop sounds.
• Adam Ondra — Shared historical date (02-05 · Born) (1993): Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead, bouldering, and competition.
• Alan Hodgkin — Shared historical date (02-05 · Born) (1914): Pioneering physiologist known for action potential theory and Nobel laureate.
• Alden W. Clausen — Shared historical date (01-21 · Died) (2013): American businessman, former President of the World Bank and Bank of America CEO.
• Aleksey Pisemsky — Shared historical date (01-21 · Died) (1881): A prominent Russian novelist and dramatist, contemporary to Turgenev and Dostoyevsky.
• 1903 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1903
• February 5 (02-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 5
• 1979 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1979
• January 21 (01-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 21