Oliver Goldsmith

Date of Birth: November 10, 1728

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: April 4, 1774

Biography

Oliver Goldsmith was an Anglo-Irish writer, poet, and physician, born around November 10, 1728, in County Longford, Ireland. He is best known for his novel “The Vicar of Wakefield” (1766), his pastoral poem “The Deserted Village” (1770), and his play “She Stoops to Conquer” (1773). Goldsmith was a significant figure in 18th-century English literature and was a contemporary of Samuel Johnson, with whom he was closely associated. Goldsmith’s early life was marked by academic and financial struggles. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, but left without a degree. After a period of wandering through Europe, he settled in London, where he began his writing career. Despite his literary success, Goldsmith often faced financial difficulties, partly due to his extravagant lifestyle and poor financial management. His works are known for their humor, vivid characterizations, and social commentary. “The Vicar of Wakefield” remains one of the most beloved novels of the 18th century, and “She Stoops to Conquer” continues to be performed today. Goldsmith died on April 4, 1774, in London, at the age of 45.

5 Interesting Facts about Oliver Goldsmith

1. Oliver Goldsmith was a member of Samuel Johnson’s literary club, which included other luminaries such as Edmund Burke and Joshua Reynolds.

2. He is credited with writing the first biography of his friend Samuel Johnson, though it was published posthumously.

3. Goldsmith was known for his eccentric behavior and often wore flamboyant clothing.

4. Despite his literary success, Goldsmith died in considerable debt.

5. His poem “The Deserted Village” is a poignant critique of rural depopulation and the enclosure movement of the 18th century.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Oliver Goldsmith

1. “Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.”

2. “People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.”

3. “I love everything that’s old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine.”

4. “Our pleasures were simple—they were all in the future.”

5. “The best way to make your audience laugh is to start laughing yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Oliver Goldsmith’s highest net worth is difficult to estimate in modern terms, but he was known to have earned significant sums from his writing, though he died in debt.