Arthur Helps

Date of Birth: July 10, 1813

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 7, 1875

Biography

Arthur Helps was a distinguished historian, essayist, and civil servant born in London, England. He was educated at Eton and later at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in literature and history. Helps initially pursued a career in law but soon turned to writing and public service, becoming a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of Victorian England. He is best known for his extensive works on social and historical subjects, including “The Spanish Conquest in America” and “Friends in Council.” Helps also served as Clerk of the Privy Council, a position that allowed him to influence public policy and promote social reform. His writings often emphasized the importance of empathy, compassion, and ethical conduct in public and private life. Arthur Helps passed away in 1875, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful and impactful historical literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Helps

1. Arthur Helps was knighted in 1872 for his service as Clerk of the Privy Council.

2. He was a close friend and confidant of Queen Victoria, and he often provided her with counsel on various matters.

3. Helps was a passionate advocate for the abolition of slavery and wrote extensively on the subject.

4. His work “Friends in Council” was highly influential and was praised for its insightful dialogue on moral and social issues.

5. Helps was also a pioneering environmentalist, expressing concerns about deforestation and advocating for the preservation of natural resources.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Helps

1. “Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away.”

2. “The greatest luxury of riches is that they enable you to escape so much good advice.”

3. “Half the evil in the world comes from people not being able to sit still in their own rooms.”

4. “Life is a constant oscillation between the sharp horns of dilemmas.”

5. “To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Helps did not amass significant personal wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, as he dedicated much of his life to public service and intellectual pursuits rather than financial gain.

Children

Arthur Helps had several children, including a son named Arthur Stanley Helps, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a notable writer and editor.