John Fiske

Date of Birth: March 30, 1842

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 4, 1901

Biography

John Fiske, born Edmund Fisk Green on March 30, 1842, in Hartford, Connecticut, was a prominent American philosopher and historian. He was an ardent advocate of evolutionary theory and played a significant role in popularizing the works of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer in the United States. Fiske’s academic journey began at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1863. His intellectual pursuits were diverse, spanning philosophy, history, and law. Fiske’s philosophical works primarily focused on the application of evolutionary principles to social and historical development. His notable works include “Outlines of Cosmic Philosophy” (1874), where he elaborated on the philosophical implications of Darwinism. Fiske also made significant contributions to American history through his multi-volume series “The Discovery of America” (1892) and “The American Revolution” (1891). In addition to his writing and lectures, Fiske was a dedicated family man. He married Abby Morgan Brooks in 1864, with whom he had six children. Fiske passed away on July 4, 1901, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, leaving behind a rich legacy of intellectual contributions that continue to influence the fields of philosophy and history.

5 Interesting Facts about John Fiske

1. John Fiske was originally named Edmund Fisk Green but changed his name to John Fiske in honor of an ancestor.

2. He was a child prodigy, reading books at the age of three and mastering several languages by his teenage years.

3. Fiske was a passionate supporter of Herbert Spencer’s theories and corresponded with him extensively.

4. He served as a Harvard librarian and lecturer, significantly influencing the academic community with his ideas.

5. Fiske was influential in the field of American history, earning recognition for his detailed and accessible historical narratives.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Fiske

1. “The living world is the most beautiful and the most wondrous thing that man has been given to know.”

2. “In the development of societies, as in the development of individuals, the chief factor is the struggle for existence.”

3. “The doctrine of evolution, if consistently accepted, makes it impossible to retain the belief in miracles.”

4. “History is the record of the unceasing struggle of mankind to realize its ideals.”

5. “The ultimate goal of all human endeavor is the development of a perfect society.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Fiske’s net worth is not well-documented, but his intellectual contributions and numerous published works suggest that he was comfortably well-off by the standards of his time.

Children

John Fiske and his wife Abby Morgan Brooks had six children: Maud, Ralph, Harold, Clarence, Herbert, and Ethel. His family life was marked by a deep commitment to his children’s education and well-being.