George Herbert Mead was an influential American philosopher and social psychologist, known for his work in social theory and symbolic interactionism. Born in 1863, he spent much of his academic career at the University of Chicago. Mead emphasized the importance of social interaction in the development of the self and proposed that individuals form their identities through their interactions with others. His ideas laid the foundation for understanding the social nature of human behavior and the role of society in shaping individual experiences. Mead's most significant contribution is his theory of the self, which he argued develops through three stages: the preparatory stage, the play stage, and the game stage. In these stages, individuals learn to take the perspective of others, which is essential for social interaction. The self, according to Mead, is not inherent but constructed through social experiences, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the individual and society. Mead's work continues to influence various fields, including sociology, psychology, and communication studies. His concepts, such as the “generalized other,” explain how societal norms and values are internalized by individuals. His perspectives on the interconnectedness of society and self remain relevant, emphasizing the significance of social contexts in shaping human behavior and identity.