Anthony Collins

Date of Birth: June 21, 1676

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 13, 1729

Biography

Anthony Collins was a prominent English philosopher born in Heston, Middlesex, England. He was a significant figure in the early 18th century, known primarily for his works on free will, determinism, and religious skepticism. Collins was a close friend and follower of John Locke, and he continued Locke’s empiricist legacy, focusing on issues related to human understanding and freedom. His most famous work, “A Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Human Liberty” (1717), argued against the doctrine of free will, advocating instead for a determinist perspective. Collins’ works were highly influential in the development of Enlightenment thought, particularly in how they challenged traditional religious and metaphysical beliefs.

5 Interesting Facts about Anthony Collins

1. Anthony Collins was a deist, which means he believed in the existence of a supreme being but rejected organized religion.

2. He was educated at Eton College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.

3. Collins’ work sparked significant controversy and debate, particularly with religious figures of his time.

4. He was a member of the Royal Society, reflecting his significant contributions to intellectual discourse.

5. Collins wrote “A Discourse of Free-Thinking” (1713), which became one of his most controversial works, advocating for the application of reason to all areas of knowledge.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anthony Collins

1. “A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational.”

2. “The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion.”

3. “Free will is an illusion, for actions are determined by prior causes.”

4. “To know oneself is the first step towards wisdom.”

5. “The use of reason is the only way to discover the truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no reliable information about Anthony Collins’ highest net worth, as records from the 17th and 18th centuries did not typically include detailed financial data on philosophers.