Nicholas M. Butler

Date of Birth: April 2, 1862

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 7, 1947

Biography

Nicholas Murray Butler was an influential American philosopher, diplomat, and educator who played a significant role in American intellectual and political life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Butler was a prodigious academic talent, enrolling at Columbia College at the age of 16. He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Columbia University, where he would later become a long-serving president. Butler’s tenure at Columbia University lasted from 1902 to 1945, during which he transformed the institution into a leading center for research and higher education. In addition to his academic pursuits, Butler was deeply involved in politics and international diplomacy. He was a close advisor to several U.S. presidents and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, along with Jane Addams, for his efforts in promoting peace and international cooperation. A prolific writer and public speaker, Butler’s influence extended across multiple domains, leaving a lasting legacy in both education and international relations.

5 Interesting Facts about Nicholas M. Butler

1. Nicholas Murray Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for his work in promoting world peace and international cooperation.

2. Butler served as president of Columbia University for 43 years, making him one of the longest-serving presidents in the institution’s history.

3. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1910.

4. Butler was an early advocate for the League of Nations and played a significant role in promoting its principles.

5. He was a prolific author, writing extensively on philosophy, education, and politics, and his works include “The International Mind” and “Philosophy.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nicholas M. Butler

1. “An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less.”

2. “America is the best half-educated country in the world.”

3. “Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”

4. “Many peoples’ tombstones should read, ‘Died at 30, buried at 60.’”

5. “The nation is bound together by its intellectual and moral life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Nicholas Murray Butler’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for his time, primarily derived from his academic salary, book royalties, and speaking engagements.