John Erskine

Date of Birth: October 5, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: June 2, 1951

Biography

John Erskine was a prolific American poet, novelist, and educator who made significant contributions to the literary world in the early 20th century. Born in New York City, Erskine was an intellectual force known for his eloquent and thought-provoking poetry, as well as his academic prowess. He graduated from Columbia University, where he later returned as a professor of English. Erskine’s work often intertwined classical themes with contemporary issues, creating a unique blend that resonated with a broad audience. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Juilliard School of Music, where he served as the first president. Throughout his career, Erskine published numerous collections of poetry, essays, and novels, solidifying his place in American literary history.

5 Interesting Facts about John Erskine

1. John Erskine was a key figure in the founding of the Juilliard School of Music and served as its first president.

2. He wrote the novel “The Private Life of Helen of Troy” which was a best-seller and later adapted into a film.

3. Erskine was a professor at Columbia University for over 30 years, influencing generations of students.

4. He was awarded the Butler Medal by Columbia University for his contributions to literature and education.

5. Erskine was also a talented musician and often incorporated musical themes into his literary work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Erskine

1. “The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.”

2. “Only the curious will learn and only the resolute overcome the obstacles to learning.”

3. “In the simplest terms, a leader is one who knows where he wants to go and gets up and goes.”

4. “Opinion is that exercise of the human will which helps us to make a decision without information.”

5. “Education is a life; that nothing you learn, nothing you experience, nothing you know, is ever lost or wasted.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Erskine achieved a net worth of approximately $1 million, a significant sum for his time.

Children

John Erskine had two children, a son named John Jr. and a daughter named Helen. Both children followed in their father’s intellectual footsteps, with John Jr. becoming a noted historian and Helen pursuing a career in education.