There are numerous psychologists who have made a huge impact and stand out in the world we live in. Some of these people include Skinner, Maslow, and Freud, people everyone knows. However, one person who stands out in American psychology is William James. Although his name is not known to everyone, he made many great contributions in psychology. He wrote two books, contributed to the James-Lange theory of emotions, influenced pragmatism and functionalism. When he was just eight years old, he was better at mathematics than his “brilliant” father. William James is so interesting to me because in the beginning he didn't like psychology at all, but today he is known for all his works. William James was born on January 11, 1842 in New York City. He was brought into a wealthy family where education was very important. His father, Henry, was very interested in philosophy and theology and wanted his children to receive a rich education. William James also had a brother named Henry who became one of the most acclaimed American novelists. He also had a sister Alice who became famous for the diary she kept. James often went to Europe and attended the best schools, immersed in culture and art. He showed interest in becoming a painter, but his father wanted him to study science or philosophy. However, James was adamant in wanting to become a painter, so Henry let him. After studying painting with William Morris Hunt for about a year, James realized he needed to support himself and moved on to Harvard Medical School. James was dissatisfied with the world of medicine and went on an expedition with Louis Agassiz, but he didn't like it. He said: “I was, body and soul, in a most indescribably hopeless environment, homeless and… middle of paper… I went on an expedition and began to appreciate psychology. He was later offered a job at Harvard University as a psychology teacher. There he coined the term “stream of consciousness”, proposed pragmatism, functionalism and the James-Lange theory of emotions. Without him, we would not have discovered the things we know today. Works Cited Benson, Nigel, Joannah Ginsburg, Voula Grand, and Merrin Lazyan. "The psychology book." Barnes & Noble. DK Publishing Inc, 16 January 2012. Web. 05 December 2013. .Benson, Nigel,Schaffer, Chris. “Join Academia.edu and share your research with the world.” William James' impact on psychology through history. Chris Schaffer, November 9, 2011. Web. December 5. 2013. .