Eustace Budgell

Date of Birth: August 19, 1686

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 4, 1737

Biography

Eustace Budgell was an influential English writer and politician, born in England. A cousin of the famous essayist Joseph Addison, Budgell was an integral contributor to Addison and Richard Steele’s renowned periodical, The Spectator. Educated at Oxford University, Budgell initially pursued a career in law but later shifted his focus to writing and politics. Budgell’s literary prowess was evident in his numerous contributions to The Spectator, where his essays were highly regarded for their wit and insightful commentary on contemporary society. His writing style was marked by clarity, elegance, and a keen understanding of human nature, which endeared him to readers and critics alike. In addition to his literary achievements, Budgell held various political positions, including serving as a Member of Parliament. However, his career was marred by financial difficulties and allegations of forgery, which ultimately led to his tragic demise. Despite the controversies, Budgell’s contributions to English literature and his role in shaping early 18th-century periodicals remain significant.

5 Interesting Facts about Eustace Budgell

1. Eustace Budgell was a cousin of the famous essayist Joseph Addison.

2. He contributed over three dozen essays to The Spectator, a renowned 18th-century periodical.

3. Budgell’s financial troubles led to his alleged involvement in a forgery scandal.

4. He served as a Member of Parliament for several years.

5. Budgell’s tragic death was a result of suicide, driven by his financial woes and damaged reputation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eustace Budgell

1. “When I consider life, it is all a cheat. Yet fooled with hope, men favor the deceit.”

2. “Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes error a fault, and truth discourtesy.”

3. “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”

4. “When a man is in love, he endures more than at other times; he submits to more.”

5. “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Eustace Budgell’s net worth was estimated to be around £20,000, a significant sum in the early 18th century. However, his financial mismanagement led to severe debt, diminishing his fortune considerably.