Goldwin Smith

Date of Birth: August 13, 1823

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 7, 1910

Biography

Goldwin Smith was a distinguished British historian and journalist, renowned for his sharp intellect and prolific contributions to historical scholarship and public discourse during the 19th century. Born into a well-to-do family, Smith received his education at Eton College and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he excelled academically. His career began in earnest when he was appointed Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford in 1858. Throughout his career, Smith was known for his liberal views and advocacy for reform, which were evident in his writings and lectures. He was an ardent supporter of the abolition of slavery and a proponent of women’s rights and education reform. His works often delved into political history and social issues, earning him a reputation as a forward-thinking and sometimes controversial figure. In addition to his academic pursuits, Smith was a prolific journalist, contributing to various periodicals and newspapers. In 1868, he moved to the United States, where he continued his work at Cornell University, influencing American academia and public opinion. Later, he relocated to Canada, where he spent his final years contributing to the University of Toronto.

5 Interesting Facts about Goldwin Smith

1. Goldwin Smith was a founding member of the Canada First movement, which advocated for Canadian nationalism and independence from British colonial rule.

2. He was a vocal critic of British imperialism and often wrote against the expansionist policies of the British Empire.

3. Smith was an early advocate for the establishment of a federal system in Canada, which eventually influenced the formation of the Canadian Confederation.

4. He was a prolific writer, with notable works including “The United States: An Outline of Political History” and “Canada and the Canadian Question.”

5. Despite his many accomplishments, Smith was also known for his controversial views on race and his opposition to the Jewish community, which have marred his legacy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Goldwin Smith

1. “Above all nations is humanity.”

2. “History is the record of an encounter between character and circumstances.”

3. “The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man the country turns out.”

4. “The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind.”

5. “A nation cannot long remain strong when every man is for himself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Goldwin Smith’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a renowned academic and author of his time, he was comfortably well-off, particularly given his family background and professional success.