Herbert Croly

Date of Birth: January 23, 1869

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 17, 1930

Biography

Herbert David Croly was an influential American political philosopher, journalist, and author, best known for his seminal work, “The Promise of American Life.” Born in New York City in 1869, Croly was the son of Jane Cunningham Croly, a well-known feminist journalist, and David Goodman Croly, a prominent editor. Croly’s upbringing was steeped in intellectual and progressive thought, which significantly influenced his later works. Educated at Harvard University, Croly studied under renowned philosophers like William James and George Santayana. After completing his education, he worked as an editor and writer, contributing to various progressive publications. In 1909, he published “The Promise of American Life,” a book that argued for a strong federal government to address social inequalities and promote economic justice. This work caught the attention of many, including future President Theodore Roosevelt, and became a cornerstone of Progressive Era thought. In 1914, Croly co-founded The New Republic magazine, which quickly became a leading voice for progressive ideas and policies. Throughout his career, Croly continued to advocate for social reform, economic regulation, and a more active role for the government in ensuring the welfare of its citizens. He passed away in 1930, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost thinkers in American political thought.

5 Interesting Facts about Herbert Croly

1. Herbert Croly was a co-founder of The New Republic, a magazine that remains influential in American political discourse to this day.

2. His book, “The Promise of American Life,” was highly influential in shaping the Progressive Movement in the early 20th century.

3. Croly was educated at Harvard University, where he studied under philosophers William James and George Santayana.

4. Theodore Roosevelt was significantly influenced by Croly’s ideas, incorporating many of them into his “New Nationalism” policy.

5. Despite his significant contributions to political thought, Croly struggled with health issues throughout his life, including severe migraines and depression.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Herbert Croly

1. “The average American is nothing if not patriotic.”

2. “Democracy must stand or fall on a platform of principle.”

3. “The American nation needs to be knit together by ties of knowledge and sympathy.”

4. “The promise of American life must be kept alive by the people.”

5. “The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Herbert Croly’s net worth was never publicly documented, and as a writer and political thinker, he was not known to have accumulated significant wealth.