David Starr Jordan

Date of Birth: January 19, 1851

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 19, 1931

Biography

David Starr Jordan was an eminent American ichthyologist, educator, and writer. Born on January 19, 1851, in Gainesville, New York, Jordan made significant contributions to the fields of science and literature. He was the founding president of Stanford University and served from 1891 to 1913. Jordan was a prolific author, penning numerous books and articles on ichthyology, education, and peace. Jordan’s life was marked by his dedication to scientific inquiry and education. He earned his medical degree from Indiana Medical College and later studied under Louis Agassiz at Harvard. His work in ichthyology, particularly his studies on fish species, earned him international acclaim. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Jordan was a passionate advocate for peace and eugenics, although his views on the latter have been widely criticized in modern times. He was involved in various peace organizations and wrote extensively on the subject, promoting international arbitration and the abolition of war. Jordan passed away on September 19, 1931, leaving behind a complex legacy that includes both significant scientific achievements and controversial social views.

5 Interesting Facts about David Starr Jordan

1. David Starr Jordan was the founding president of Stanford University and served as its president from 1891 to 1913.

2. He was a renowned ichthyologist and described over 1,000 species of fish during his career.

3. Jordan was an advocate for eugenics, a view that has tarnished his legacy.

4. He authored more than 650 articles and books on a wide range of subjects, including ichthyology, education, and peace.

5. Jordan was a strong advocate for peace and was involved in various peace organizations throughout his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Starr Jordan

1. “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.”

2. “Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for.”

3. “There is no real excellence in all this world which can be separated from right living.”

4. “The world stands aside to let anyone pass who knows where he is going.”

5. “The ultimate test of a man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”