Edwin Arnold

Date of Birth: June 10, 1832

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 24, 1904

Biography

Edwin Arnold was a distinguished English poet and journalist, best known for his epic poem “The Light of Asia,” which detailed the life and teachings of the Buddha. Born in Gravesend, Kent, Arnold was educated at King’s College London and University College, Oxford, where he excelled in classical studies. After a brief stint as a schoolteacher in India, he returned to England and joined the editorial staff of the Daily Telegraph, eventually rising to the position of editor-in-chief. Arnold’s works often reflected his deep interest in Eastern religions and philosophies, contributing significantly to the Western understanding of these subjects during the 19th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Edwin Arnold

1. Edwin Arnold was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1888 for his contributions to literature and journalism.

2. His poem “The Light of Asia” was one of the first works to introduce Buddhism to a Western audience.

3. Arnold was proficient in several languages, including Sanskrit, which he studied extensively to better understand Eastern texts.

4. He was a close friend of famed explorer Henry Morton Stanley, with whom he shared a deep interest in African exploration.

5. Arnold’s writings often emphasized the moral and spiritual teachings of various world religions, promoting a message of universal brotherhood.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edwin Arnold

1. “The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”

2. “Behold! we know not anything; I can but trust that good shall fall at last—far off—at last, to all.”

3. “We are the voices of the wandering wind, which moan for rest and rest can never find.”

4. “The dew-drop slips into the shining sea!”

5. “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edwin Arnold’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain precisely in modern terms, but he was considered quite prosperous for a literary figure of his time, particularly due to his successful career in journalism.

Children

Edwin Arnold had three children: Edwin Lester Arnold, a noted author of adventure novels; Julian Arnold, who followed in his father’s journalistic footsteps; and Amy Arnold, about whom less is publicly known.