Richard Steele

Date of Birth: March 12, 1672

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 1, 1729

Biography

Sir Richard Steele was an Irish writer and politician, best known for his contributions to the development of the periodical essay. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Steele’s career was marked by a dynamic combination of literary, political, and entrepreneurial pursuits. He attended the Charterhouse School and later Merton College, Oxford, although he left without taking a degree. Steele’s literary career began in earnest with his playwriting; his first comedy, “The Funeral,” was produced in 1701. He went on to write several more plays, but his most significant impact came through his work in journalism. In 1709, he founded the magazine “The Tatler,” which was followed by “The Spectator” in 1711, in collaboration with his friend Joseph Addison. These publications were pioneering in the way they addressed contemporary social and cultural issues, blending wit and moral instruction. Steele also served as a Member of Parliament and was knighted in 1715. Despite his successes, Steele faced financial difficulties throughout his life, often due to his generous and impulsive nature.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Steele

1. Richard Steele was knighted by King George I in 1715.

2. He co-founded “The Spectator” magazine, which has had a lasting influence on English literature and journalism.

3. Steele’s turbulent financial life led him to debtors’ prison on more than one occasion.

4. He served as a Member of Parliament for Stockbridge and later for Boroughbridge.

5. Steele’s friendship with Joseph Addison was both a literary collaboration and a personal relationship that significantly impacted his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Steele

1. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

2. “The married state, with and without the affection suitable to it, is the completest image of heaven and hell we are capable of receiving in this life.”

3. “Fire and swords are slow engines of destruction compared to the tongue of a Gossip.”

4. “To love her is a liberal education.”

5. “The fool within himself is the object of pity, until he is flattered.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Richard Steele’s net worth was modest, as he often struggled with debt. His highest financial achievement would be difficult to quantify, but his influence and contributions to literature were invaluable.