Walt Whitman

Date of Birth: May 31, 1819

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 26, 1892

Biography

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, often hailed as one of the most influential poets in the American canon. Born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, Whitman grew up in a large family and began working at a young age to support them. He held various jobs, including printer, teacher, and journalist, before dedicating himself to poetry. Whitman’s poetry collection “Leaves of Grass,” first published in 1855, is considered his magnum opus and was revolutionary in its use of free verse and the celebration of the human spirit and democracy. His work was unconventional for its time, often focusing on nature, the human body, and the individual. Whitman continued to revise and expand “Leaves of Grass” throughout his life. He passed away on March 26, 1892, in Camden, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence poets and writers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Walt Whitman

1. Walt Whitman was largely self-educated and was a voracious reader from a young age.

2. He was a volunteer nurse during the American Civil War, which deeply influenced his writing.

3. Whitman faced significant criticism and censorship during his lifetime for the explicit content in his poetry.

4. He was an early advocate for the abolition of slavery and wrote extensively on the subject.

5. The final edition of “Leaves of Grass,” known as the “Deathbed Edition,” was published in 1892, the year of his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walt Whitman

1. “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.”

2. “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”

3. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”

4. “Be curious, not judgmental.”

5. “The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Walt Whitman’s financial situation was modest throughout his life. He did not achieve significant financial success and his net worth was never notably high, likely remaining under $10,000 at the time of his death.