The biography of L Ron Hubbard, an American author, philosopher, and founder of the Church of Scientology. He was born on March 13, 1911, in Tilden, Nebraska, and passed away on January 24, 1986, in Creston, California.
Hubbard was a prolific writer with a career that spanned over five decades, and he is known for his work in science fiction, fantasy, and self-help.
This biography offers a glimpse into the life of L Ron Hubbard.
Read Also: Biography of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Early Life and Education
Hubbard was the son of Harry Ross Hubbard, a former United States Navy officer, and Ledora May Hubbard. His father worked as a civil engineer, and his mother was a housewife.
Hubbard’s family frequently moved during childhood, as his father took on various construction jobs. Hubbard attended several schools, including Helena High School in Montana, which he attended briefly in 1927.
In 1928, Hubbard enrolled in George Washington University in Washington, D.C., to study civil engineering. However, he dropped out after only two years and joined the United States Navy, where he served as a lieutenant.
During this time, Hubbard became interested in studying the human mind and began reading extensively on the subject.
Writing Career
After leaving the Navy in 1941, Hubbard embarked on a career as a writer. He initially wrote for pulp magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction and Unknown, publishing stories often set in space and featuring aliens and futuristic technology.
In 1948, Hubbard published his first book, “The End Is Not Yet,” a science fiction novel. Hubbard’s most famous work, however, is “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health,” which he published in 1950.
The book became a bestseller and laid the groundwork for Hubbard’s later development of Scientology. In “Dianetics,” Hubbard claimed to have discovered the cause of all human psychological problems and provided a system for their elimination.
Read Also: The Biography of Charles A Coulombe
Founding of Scientology
In 1952, Hubbard founded the Church of Scientology in Camden, New Jersey. The Church of Scientology is a religious organization that aims to improve the spiritual well-being of its members and promote the use of Scientology practices to improve their lives.
Hubbard developed a wide range of practices and techniques, including auditing, which involves asking a series of questions to help an individual confront and overcome past traumas and negative experiences.
Hubbard saw Scientology as a tool for personal development and self-improvement, believing it could transform society. The Church of Scientology grew rapidly during the 1950s and 1960s, with Hubbard as its charismatic leader.
However, the organization also faced criticism and controversy, particularly about its secretive practices and the treatment of its members.
Read Also: The Biography of Bob Jones
Later Life and Legacy
Hubbard continued to write throughout his life, publishing over 200 books and articles on various subjects. He also continued to develop and promote Scientology practices, overseeing the training of new auditors and the expansion of the Church of Scientology.
In 1979, Hubbard retired from his leadership role in the Church of Scientology, and he spent his final years in seclusion at his home in California.
After he died in 1986, Hubbard’s legacy continued through the Church of Scientology and the wider Scientology community. His writing and teachings continue to be studied and practiced by millions of people around the world.
However, the Church of Scientology has also faced ongoing controversy and criticism, particularly about allegations of abuse and mistreatment of its members.
L. Ron Hubbard was a complex and controversial figure known for his contributions to science fiction, self-help, and the development of Scientology.
RELATED POST
The Biography of James Watt
The Biography of Gregor Mendel
Biography of Guglielmo Marconi
The Biography of William T.G. Morton
The Biography of Napoleon Bonaparte