George Berkeley

Date of Birth: March 12, 1685

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 14, 1753

Biography

George Berkeley was an Irish philosopher born on March 12, 1685, in Kilkenny, Ireland. He is best known for his theory of immaterialism (later referred to as “subjective idealism” by others), which denies the existence of material substance and instead contends that familiar objects like tables and chairs are only ideas in the minds of perceivers. Berkeley’s philosophy was grounded in his religious beliefs, and he argued that God is the ultimate perceiver who gives consistency and order to the world. Berkeley received his education at Trinity College, Dublin, where he also later became a lecturer. His major works include “A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge” (1710) and “Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous” (1713). These works argue against the prevailing materialist philosophy of his time, particularly that of John Locke. In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Berkeley was deeply involved in the Anglican Church and served as the Bishop of Cloyne. He also attempted to establish a college in Bermuda to educate Native Americans and train missionaries, though the project ultimately failed due to lack of funding. Berkeley passed away on January 14, 1753, but his ideas continue to influence contemporary philosophy, particularly in the fields of metaphysics and epistemology.

5 Interesting Facts about George Berkeley

1. Berkeley’s theory of immaterialism challenges the existence of material objects independent of perception.

2. He attempted to found a university in Bermuda to educate Native Americans, a project known as the “Bermuda Scheme,” but it failed due to lack of financial support.

3. Berkeley moved to America in 1728 and lived in Newport, Rhode Island, for nearly three years with the hope of establishing his college.

4. Berkeley’s writings influenced later philosophers, including David Hume and Immanuel Kant.

5. Berkeley’s name is commemorated in various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Berkeley

1. “To be is to be perceived.”

2. “A mind at liberty to reflect on its own observations, if it produce nothing useful to the world, seldom fails of entertainment to itself.”

3. “We have first raised a dust and then complain we cannot see.”

4. “He who says there is no such thing as an honest man, you may be sure is himself a knave.”

5. “That neither our thoughts, nor passions, nor ideas formed by the imagination, exist without the mind, is what everybody will allow.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a historical figure from the 18th century, George Berkeley did not accumulate wealth in the manner of contemporary public figures. His net worth is not documented in modern financial terms.

Children

George Berkeley married Anne Forster in 1728. They had several children, but only three survived to adulthood: 1. Henry Berkeley 2. George Berkeley 3. Julia Berkeley