Arnold J. Toynbee

Date of Birth: April 14, 1889

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: October 22, 1975

Biography

Arnold Joseph Toynbee was a renowned British historian and philosopher of history, born on April 14, 1889, in London, England. Toynbee is best known for his monumental work, “A Study of History,” which spans twelve volumes and discusses the rise and fall of civilizations. His approach to understanding history emphasized the importance of analyzing civilizations through their life cycles, including their genesis, growth, breakdown, and disintegration. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford, Toynbee went on to become a professor of international history at the London School of Economics and later at the University of London. His work was heavily influenced by the events of the 20th century, especially the two World Wars, and he often sought to provide insights into contemporary issues through historical analysis. Toynbee’s contributions to the field of history were not without controversy. Critics often challenged his methodology and interpretations, but his influence on the study of civilizations and his interdisciplinary approach have left a lasting legacy. He passed away on October 22, 1975, but his works continue to be studied and debated by historians and scholars around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Arnold J. Toynbee

1. Arnold J. Toynbee’s “A Study of History” was initially published in twelve volumes between 1934 and 1961.

2. He served as a delegate to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, which shaped the post-World War I landscape.

3. Toynbee was a strong advocate for the idea that civilizations rise and fall due to their responses to challenges.

4. He was knighted in 1946 for his contributions to the field of history.

5. Toynbee’s work has been translated into numerous languages, influencing scholars worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arnold J. Toynbee

1. “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.”

2. “The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.”

3. “History is a vision of God’s creation on the move.”

4. “The immense majority of human biographies are a gray transit between domestic spasm and oblivion.”

5. “A life which does not go into action is a failure.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arnold J. Toynbee’s net worth is not well-documented, but as an academic and historian, his wealth was more in terms of intellectual contributions than financial assets.

Children

Arnold J. Toynbee had three children: Philip Toynbee, a British writer and journalist; Jocelyn Toynbee, a classical archaeologist and art historian; and Lawrence Toynbee, a painter and art teacher.