Lightner Witmer
American psychologist who coined 'clinical psychology' and opened the first psychological clinic.
Most quoted
"The object of clinical psychology is to ascertain the mental and moral status of the individual and to devise means for his improvement."
— from Clinical Psychology, 1907
"Clinical psychology is the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change."
— from Clinical Psychology, 1907
"The clinical psychologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and moral retardation and deviation."
— from Clinical Psychology, 1907
All quotes by Lightner Witmer (102)
In my final years, I saw psychology as humanity's greatest hope.
Children thrive when their unique minds are nurtured.
Observation trumps assumption every time.
Aphorism: 'The mind is a garden; psychology, its cultivator.'
Letters reveal: 'Empirical methods will revolutionize education.'
Professional note: 'Diagnosis must be individualized.'
Life's profound lesson: Adapt or suffer.
In speeches: 'Psychology bridges science and society.'
Joke: 'Why did the psychologist open a clinic? To mind his own business!'
The field demands rigor and humanity.
Reflection: 'Success is measured by lives improved.'
Excerpt: 'Mental defects are often environmental failures.'
To a colleague: 'Innovation starts with questioning norms.'
Interview: 'Psychology's future is in prevention.'
Aphorism: 'Knowledge of self is the root of all wisdom.'
Comeback: 'Skeptics fuel our progress.'
On life: 'Fulfillment comes from mental harmony.'
Key observation: 'The child's mind mirrors societal health.'
Last words: 'Continue the work; minds await liberation.'
Witty: 'Psychoanalysis? I prefer practical psychology.'
Contemporaries of Lightner Witmer
Other Psychologys born within 50 years of Lightner Witmer (1867–1941).