Date of Birth: August 2, 1865
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: July 15, 1933
Biography
Irving Babbitt was an American academic and literary critic known for his influential role in the early 20th-century literary movement known as the New Humanism. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Babbitt was a professor of French literature at Harvard University and a prominent critic of Romanticism and Realism. He advocated for a return to classical humanistic principles and emphasized moral and ethical dimensions in literature. Babbitt’s works, including “Literature and the American College” and “Rousseau and Romanticism,” critiqued contemporary educational practices and literary trends, calling for a revival of classical education and moral discipline. His ideas significantly impacted American intellectual thought and educational reform during his time.
5 Interesting Facts about Irving Babbitt
1. Irving Babbitt co-founded the New Humanism movement, which aimed to revive classical education and moral values in literature and society.
2. He was a professor at Harvard University, where he taught French literature and comparative literature.
3. Babbitt’s critical works often targeted the Romantic and Realist literary movements, which he felt undermined moral and ethical standards.
4. His book “Rousseau and Romanticism” is considered a seminal critique of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s influence on modern thought.
5. Babbitt’s ideas influenced a number of prominent thinkers, including T.S. Eliot and Paul Elmer More.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irving Babbitt
1. “To insist on the moral and ethical dimensions of art and literature is to uphold the noblest traditions of human culture.”
2. “A true education must cultivate not only the intellect but also the character.”
3. “The Romantic movement has done much to weaken the moral fiber of modern society.”
4. “Humanism is not merely a method of education, but a way of life.”
5. “Civilization is but the accumulation of human endeavor over generations, and it is our duty to preserve its highest achievements.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Irving Babbitt’s net worth was not a matter of public record, but as an academic and critic, it is unlikely that he accumulated significant wealth.
Children
Irving Babbitt did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Irving Babbitt – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Babbitt
3. [New Humanism – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/humanism/
4. [Rousseau and Romanticism – Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2297
5. [Harvard University Archives](https://library.harvard.edu/collections/archives
