Origins & Early Life

Heinz Kohut (German: [ˈkoːhuːt]; May 3, 1913 – October 8, 1981) was an Austrian-born American psychoanalyst best known for his development of self psychology, an influential school of thought within psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory which helped transform the modern practice of analytic and dynamic treatment approaches. Kohut was born on May 3, 1913, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, to Felix Kohut and Else Kohut (née Lampl). He was the only child of the family. Kohut's parents were assimilated Jews living in Alsergrund, or the Ninth District, who had married two years earlier.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father was an aspiring concert pianist, but abandoned his dreams having been traumatized by his experiences in World War I and moved into business with Paul Bellak. His mother opened her own shop sometime after the war, something that few women did at that time in Vienna. Else's relationship with her son has been described as "narcissistic enmeshment". Kohut was not enrolled in school until the fifth grade. Before that he was taught by several tutors, a series of "Fräuleins and mademoiselles".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Special care was taken that he learn French. From 1924 on he attended the Döblinger Gymnasium in Grinzing...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Albert Ellis — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Alfred Russel Wallace — Contemporary (Died in 1913) (1913): Naturalist and explorer who independently conceived the theory of evolution.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Albert Speer — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): German architect and Nazi official, known for monumental designs and wartime ministry.
• Aldo Rossi — Shared historical date (05-03 · Born) (1931): Pioneering Italian architect, theorist, and proponent of Postmodernism.
• Alfred Kastler — Shared historical date (05-03 · Born) (1902): Pioneering physicist known for developing the technique of optical pumping.
• Al Davis — Shared historical date (10-08 · Died) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Alexei Shchusev — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1873): Master Russian architect spanning Art Nouveau, Constructivism, and Stalinist styles.
• 1913 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1913
• May 3 (05-03) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 3
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• October 8 (10-08) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 8