Gertrude Himmelfarb

Date of Birth: August 8, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 30, 2019

Biography

Gertrude Himmelfarb, also known as Bea Kristol, was a distinguished American historian known for her work on intellectual history and the history of ideas, especially concerning Victorian Britain. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she pursued her academic career with vigor and passion, making significant contributions to modern conservative thought and historical scholarship. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College and her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Throughout her career, Himmelfarb was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books and articles that examined the moral and social philosophy of the 19th century. Her works often focused on figures such as Charles Darwin, John Stuart Mill, and Lord Acton. Notable books include “The Idea of Poverty: England in the Early Industrial Age” and “The Roads to Modernity: The British, French, and American Enlightenments.” Himmelfarb’s scholarship was marked by a keen insight into the ethical dimensions of historical events and ideologies. Gertrude Himmelfarb was also a prominent public intellectual, engaging in debates over morality, education, and public policy. She was married to Irving Kristol, a leading figure in the neoconservative movement, and their partnership was both personal and intellectual, significantly impacting contemporary conservative thought in the United States.

5 Interesting Facts about Gertrude Himmelfarb

1. Himmelfarb was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President George W. Bush in 2004 for her contributions to historical scholarship.

2. She was a Fellow of the British Academy, reflecting her international influence and recognition.

3. She was known for her critique of contemporary historical methodologies, promoting a return to moral and ethical considerations in historical analysis.

4. Himmelfarb wrote extensively on the Enlightenment, contrasting the British Enlightenment’s moral seriousness with the French Enlightenment’s rationalism.

5. She was a professor emerita at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where she influenced many students and future historians.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gertrude Himmelfarb

1. “The past is not simply the past; it is a resource, a repository of wisdom, of experience, of moral insight.”

2. “The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society.”

3. “History is not only a record of the past; it is a source of moral guidance for the present and future.”

4. “The Victorian virtues of hard work, thrift, and self-discipline are not just relics of the past but are essential for a healthy society.”

5. “To understand the present, one must understand the past, and to understand the past, one must understand the ideas that have shaped it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Gertrude Himmelfarb is not publicly documented, as her primary career focus was on academia and intellectual contributions rather than financial accumulation.

Children

Gertrude Himmelfarb and Irving Kristol had two children. Their son, William Kristol, is a prominent political analyst and commentator, co-founder of The Weekly Standard, and a noted figure in American conservative circles. Their daughter, Elizabeth Nelson, has remained more private and is less involved in public intellectual life.