Arthur Balfour

Date of Birth: July 25, 1848

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 19, 1930

Biography

Arthur James Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour, was a British statesman and a key figure in the political landscape of the United Kingdom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into the aristocratic Balfour family, he was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. Balfour served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905 and played a significant role in shaping British foreign policy as the Foreign Secretary from 1916 to 1919. Known for his intellectual prowess and philosophical inclinations, Balfour was instrumental in the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which expressed British support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. Throughout his political career, Balfour also held several other key positions including Leader of the Conservative Party, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Lord President of the Council. Balfour’s contributions to both domestic and international politics have left a lasting legacy. He passed away on March 19, 1930, leaving behind a rich history of public service and statesmanship.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Balfour

1. Arthur Balfour was a prominent philosopher and authored several works, including “A Defence of Philosophic Doubt” and “The Foundations of Belief.”

2. He succeeded his uncle, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, as Prime Minister, making him the first British Prime Minister to come from a family with a history of political service.

3. Balfour was deeply interested in the sciences and was a founding member of the Society for Psychical Research.

4. He was known for his sharp wit and eloquence, often engaging in intellectual debates with contemporaries.

5. Balfour played a crucial role in the establishment of the Committee of Imperial Defence, which was a key element in the British government’s military planning.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Balfour

1. “History does not repeat itself. Historians repeat each other.”

2. “Enthusiasm moves the world.”

3. “The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example.”

4. “He has only half learned the art of reading who has not added to it the more refined art of skipping and skimming.”

5. “Nothing matters very much, and few things matter at all.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Balfour, being a member of the aristocracy and holding various high-profile positions, had considerable wealth, though precise figures are not readily available. His net worth, adjusted for inflation, would be in the range of several million pounds.