Thomas Carlyle

Date of Birth: December 4, 1795

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 5, 1881

Biography

Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian, and teacher born on December 4, 1795, in Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He is best known for his works such as “Sartor Resartus” and “The French Revolution: A History.” Carlyle’s philosophy emphasized the importance of strong leaders and the power of the human spirit, which he termed as “hero-worship.” His writings often critiqued the materialism and industrialization of the 19th century, and he became a leading figure in Victorian intellectual circles. Carlyle was married to Jane Welsh Carlyle, a well-known writer herself, but the couple had no children. He spent his later years in London and died on February 5, 1881.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Carlyle

1. Thomas Carlyle was originally trained as a minister before turning to literature and philosophy.

2. His work “The French Revolution: A History” was famously used as a source by Charles Dickens for “A Tale of Two Cities.”

3. Carlyle coined the phrase “the dismal science” to describe the field of economics.

4. He was a close friend and correspondent of the German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

5. Despite his critical views on democracy, Carlyle’s writings influenced many democratic movements and leaders.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Carlyle

1. “The history of the world is but the biography of great men.”

2. “A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.”

3. “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”

4. “Nothing is more terrible than activity without insight.”

5. “A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Thomas Carlyle’s highest net worth achieved was modest compared to today’s standards, estimated to have been around £5,000 at the time of his death, which would be approximately £500,000 in today’s currency.