Arthur M. Schlesinger

Date of Birth: October 15, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 28, 2007

Biography

Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., born Arthur Meier Schlesinger Jr., was a preeminent American historian, social critic, and public intellectual. He was born on October 15, 1917, in Columbus, Ohio, into an academically distinguished family; his father, Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr., was a renowned historian at Harvard University. Schlesinger Jr. graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University in 1938. Schlesinger first gained widespread acclaim with his Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Age of Jackson” (1945), which redefined the understanding of Jacksonian democracy. His involvement in politics was significant; he served as a special assistant to President John F. Kennedy and later chronicled the Kennedy administration in the Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House” (1965). Schlesinger was known for his advocacy of liberalism and his critiques of what he perceived as conservative or reactionary tendencies in American society. Throughout his career, he wrote prolifically, producing influential works such as “The Vital Center: The Politics of Freedom” (1949) and “The Disuniting of America: Reflections on a Multicultural Society” (1991). He taught at Harvard University, the City University of New York, and was a frequent contributor to magazines and journals.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur M. Schlesinger

1. Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. won two Pulitzer Prizes, one for “The Age of Jackson” and another for “A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House.”

2. He was a founding member of Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), an organization promoting liberal policies and civil rights.

3. Schlesinger coined the term “imperial presidency” in his 1973 book of the same name, critiquing the expansion of presidential power.

4. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Bill Clinton in 1998.

5. Schlesinger was an outspoken critic of identity politics, arguing that it fragmented American society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur M. Schlesinger

1. “The future outwits all our certitudes.”

2. “Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition, and myth frame our response.”

3. “When men are full of envy, they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.”

4. “The genius of impeachment lay in the fact that it could punish the man without punishing the office.”

5. “History is to the nation… as memory is to the individual.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million, primarily from his book sales, teaching positions, and speaking engagements.

Children

Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. had four children: Stephen Schlesinger, Katharine Schlesinger, Andrew Schlesinger, and Christina Schlesinger. Stephen is a notable writer and political commentator, while Andrew has also made a name for himself as a historian and author. Katharine is known for her work in education, and Christina is an accomplished artist.