Origins & Early Life

Laura Perls (née Lore Posner; 15 August 1905 – 13 July 1990) was a German-Jewish psychologist and psychotherapist. She is most notable for developing the Gestalt therapy approach in collaboration with her husband and fellow psychotherapist Fritz Perls and the public intellectual Paul Goodman. Lore was born in Pforzheim in 1905, the oldest of three siblings to a wealthy merchant family. Her mother came from an upper-middle class background, while her father had lower middle class roots and ran a successful jewellery business with his brother.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Lore had two younger siblings, a sister (born 1907, murdered in Theresienstadt Ghetto in 1944) and a brother (born 1909, died 1996 in USA). Lore's upbringing was strongly influenced by her mother's class background and her father's wealth. The large family home was equipped with full-time cooks, maids and a governess. In addition to this, Lore was instructed in dance and moving lessons from age 8, received ballet lessons at her private girls' school, and developed a keen interest in literature from a young age. She began playing the piano at age 5, demonstrated professional mastery by the time she was 18 and at various points...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolph Menzel — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Agnes de Mille — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering American choreographer known for blending ballet with modern dance.
• Albert Pierrepoint — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Prominent English hangman who executed hundreds of people in a 25-year career.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Aishwarya Lekshmi — Contemporary (Born in 1990) (1990): Acclaimed Indian actress working primarily in Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
• Alexios I Komnenos — Shared historical date (08-15 · Died) (1118): Byzantine Emperor who initiated the Komnenian restoration and sparked the First Crusade.
• Anna Walentynowicz — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1929): Polish trade unionist and co-founder of Solidarity, key figure in Polish independence.
• Aisha — Shared historical date (07-13 · Died) (678): Prominent scholar and political figure in early Islam, wife of Prophet Muhammad.
• Alberto Ascari — Shared historical date (07-13 · Born) (1918): Iconic Italian racing driver, two-time Formula One World Champion for Ferrari.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• August 15 (08-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 15
• 1990 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1990
• July 13 (07-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 13