Alexei Leontiev

Alexei Leontiev was a Russian psychologist known for developing activity theory, which explains how people learn and develop through their actions and social interactions. He believed that human activity—such as work, play, or learning—is focused on achieving goals within a cultural and social context. According to him, our mental functions evolve through these purposeful activities, shaped by tools, social norms, and environment. His ideas highlight that personal development is interconnected with social life and that understanding activity helps us better grasp motivation, learning, and behavior across different settings.