The curve of life as studied in biographies

Abstract

The problem was to determine whether a regular curve in attitudes toward life and spiritual attainment can be established similar to biographical growth. Analysis of 300 biographies involving (1) external events (age of preparation for profession, advancement, marriage, friendship connections, etc.), (2) inner experience (desires, hopes, complaints, etc.), and (3) dates of work and accomplishments during life, reveals a regular sequence in events, experiences and attainments of life in spite of individual irregularities and a tendency to specification and definite results. Suggestions are made for further research and application of results in choice of career, favorable ages for workers, public welfare, insurance problems, marital guidance, and health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)