William Moulton Marston
William Moulton Marston
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
William Moulton Marston was born on May 9, 1893, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is often referred to by his pen name, Charles Moulton.
Birth and Death Dates
May 9, 1893 – June 2, 1947
Nationality and Profession(s)
American psychologist, comic book writer, artist, and philosopher. Marston was a polymath whose work spanned multiple fields, from psychology to comics and beyond.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Marston showed an early aptitude for drawing and writing. He attended Harvard University, where he studied philosophy, literature, and law before serving in World War I as an officer in the United States Army's infantry division.
In 1918, during his military service, Marston developed a device called the "Lie Detector," which measured physiological responses to detect deception. This invention would later influence his work on psychology and human behavior.
Major Accomplishments
Marston's contributions to the field of psychology are significant. He is credited with developing the concept of "rapport" in psychological testing, where an examiner establishes a rapport with a subject to facilitate honest responses. His work also explored the relationship between emotional state and physical response, laying groundwork for later theories on emotional regulation.
Notable Works or Actions
Marston's most enduring legacy lies in his creation of the iconic comic book character Wonder Woman. Introduced in 1941, Wonder Woman was originally titled "The Wonder Woman" and featured Marston's wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston (writing under her husband's pen name), as a significant contributor to the character's development.
In addition to his work on Wonder Woman, Marston wrote numerous comic book stories for Sensation Comics and All Star Comics, often exploring themes of feminism, social justice, and human empowerment. His writing style frequently incorporated philosophical ideas and psychological concepts, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
Marston's impact extends far beyond the world of comics. As a psychologist, he helped shape our understanding of emotional responses and deception detection. His work on Wonder Woman has influenced generations of feminist scholars, writers, and artists, cementing her status as an iconic symbol of female empowerment.
The character's creation also reflects Marston's own relationships with women, including his wife Elizabeth, who was a significant influence on the character's development. Their marriage and partnership embodied some of the values that Wonder Woman represents: love, respect, and mutual support.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
William Moulton Marston is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His groundbreaking work in psychology continues to influence contemporary research.
As the creator of Wonder Woman, he helped shape popular culture's representation of strong female characters.
* His writing often explored complex themes, making him a trailblazer in the field of comics and beyond.
Marston's legacy serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. Through his work, he continues to inspire new generations of scholars, writers, and artists, leaving an enduring impact on our collective understanding of human behavior and creativity.
Quotes by William Moulton Marston
William Moulton Marston's insights on:
Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power. Not wanting to be girls, they don’t want to be tender, submissive, peace-loving as good women are. Women’s strong qualities have become despised because of their weakness. The obvious remedy is to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.
As lovely as Aphrodite – as wise as Athena – with the speed of Mercury and the strength of Hercules – she is known only as Wonder Woman.
Besides the practical knowledge which defeat offers, there are important personality profits to be taken.
And now we turn to another blank page. A future standing before us like freshly fallen snow. Awaiting that first mark, that first step forward. A new journey to be started. A new promise to be fulfilled. A new page to be written. Go forth unto this waiting world with pen in hand, all you young scribes, the open book awaits. Be creative. Be adventurous. Be original. And above all else, be young. For youth is your greatest weapon, your greatest tool. Use it wisely.
Women’s strong qualities have become despised because of their weakness. The obvious remedy is to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.
Comics speak, without qualm or sophistication, to the innermost ears of the wishful self. The response is like that of a thirsty traveler who suddenly finds water in the desert – he drinks to satiation.
Comics speak, without qualm or sophistication, to the innermost ears of the wishful self. The response is like that of a thirsty traveler who suddenly finds water in the desert - he drinks to satiation.
Frankly, Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world.
If there is any single factor that makes for success in living, it is the ability to draw dividends from defeat.