This is the biography of a remarkable man who changed the lives of those who were lost and who stood at the nexus of world events. A man who brought hope to those for whom no hope was held, transformed our definitions of intelligence and learning, and joined the pantheon of great cognitive psychologists, ranking with Piaget and Vygotsky. This is told largely through his own words and of those who knew him. One does not need to be well versed in psychology or education to appreciate the story of his life but interested in how one's family, religious beliefs, and optimistic responding to climactic events shape the character of a unique personality. The story evolves over his lifetime and is told as a narrative of extraordinary times and accomplishments.