Jack Block (1924–2010)

Abstract

Presents an obituary of Jack Block (1924-2010). Jack Block, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, died on January 13, 2010. Professor Block was a leading figure in psychology who made major contributions to our understanding of personality and development throughout his impressive 60-year career. Born in Brooklyn on April 28, 1924, to Russian and Lithuanian immigrants, Professor Block received a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and a Ph.D. Professor Block was not only an outstanding researcher and scientist but also a perceptive critic. He was not one to eschew controversy, but rather appreciated vigorous debate in the interests of thwarting complacency and advancing theory. Professor Block was a person of great and varied learning, a true polymath. He was a three-letter athlete in college and was passionate about politics throughout his life. Until his last days he remained devoted to research and continued to contribute to the intellectual and theoretical debates in our field. The article that follows is the last paper written by Jack Block. I am honored to have it published in this journal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)