The article discusses how George Katona is a key figure in the development of old behavioral economics, alongside Herbert Simon. Katona's contributions to the field have been overlooked, despite his efforts to create a psychologically based economics that challenged traditional views. He introduced the survey method to economic research and influenced economists in the 1950s. Katona's work spanned macroeconomics, microeconomics, public finance, and economic policy, bringing realism to economic analysis through psychological concepts. His contributions evolved depending on the economic problems he faced and the institutions he was associated with.