Thomas Carlyle facts for kids
Thomas Carlyle (born December 4, 1795 – died February 5, 1881) was a Scottish writer, historian, and thinker. He was a very important writer during the Victorian era. His ideas greatly shaped art, books, and ways of thinking in the 1800s.
Carlyle was born in Ecclefechan, Scotland. He went to the University of Edinburgh and was very good at math. He even invented something called the Carlyle circle. He first thought about becoming a minister and worked as a teacher. But he later decided to focus on writing. He wrote for an encyclopedia and translated books.
He became well-known by sharing German literature with English readers. He translated books and wrote about famous German writers like Friedrich Schiller. His first big book was a novel called Sartor Resartus (1833–34). After moving to London, he became famous with his book The French Revolution (1837). This led to his essays being collected and published.
All his later works, from On Heroes (1841) to History of Frederick the Great (1858–65), were highly respected. He helped start the London Library and the National Portrait Galleries in London and Scotland. He also received many awards for his work.
Carlyle wrote many different kinds of books, including criticism, biographies, history, and poetry. His unique writing style, called Carlylese, had a big impact on Victorian literature. He believed in the importance of faith, even though he didn't follow one specific religion. He taught about "Natural Supernaturalism", which means seeing the amazing and divine in everyday things. He also believed that all people are connected and that being dutiful, working hard, and being quiet are very important.
He developed the Great Man theory, which says that history is mostly shaped by special, powerful individuals. He saw history as a story that repeats in cycles, like the phoenix bird or the changing seasons. Carlyle also talked about the "Condition-of-England Question", looking at how the Industrial Revolution changed society. He wanted a "Chivalry of Labour" led by "Captains of Industry", where workers and leaders would work together like knights. He disagreed with ideas like utilitarianism and laissez-faire economics, calling economics the "Dismal Science". He also didn't like "big black Democracy", preferring a "Government of Heroes".
Thomas Carlyle was a very important figure in Victorian times. People saw him as a wise leader in English writing. After he died, some of his friends published things about his personal life, which caused some arguments. In the 1900s, his reputation went down, with some people linking his ideas to Prussianism and fascism. But since the 1950s, more studies have shown his importance, and he is now seen as a lasting figure in literature.
Biography
Early Life and School
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Thomas Carlyle was born on December 4, 1795. His parents were James and Margaret Aitken Carlyle. They lived in a village called Ecclefechan in southwest Scotland. His father was a stonemason and farmer who built the house where Thomas was born. His mother was very religious and hoped Thomas would become a minister. Thomas was the oldest of their nine children. He always spoke highly of his parents, and they greatly influenced him.
Thomas learned to read from his mother and arithmetic from his father. He went to local schools, including Hoddam School. By age seven, he was learning Latin. He then went to Annan Academy, where he studied Greek, Latin, French, and math. He was bullied at Annan for the first two years, but he learned to stand up for himself.
University and Early Career
In November 1809, when he was almost 14, Carlyle walked 100 miles to attend the University of Edinburgh. He studied math, science, and philosophy. He was very good at math and geometry, even inventing the Carlyle circle. At the university library, he read many important books. Around this time, he started to question religious beliefs.
In 1813, he finished his arts studies and began a theology course to become a minister. However, he decided not to continue with theology in 1817. He started teaching at Annan Academy in 1814 and later at Kirkcaldy in 1816. In Kirkcaldy, he became friends with Edward Irving.
Trying New Paths
After leaving teaching in 1818, Carlyle moved to Edinburgh. He began to suffer from stomach problems that stayed with him his whole life. He studied mineralogy and learned German to read scientific books. In 1819, he started studying Scots law but didn't continue with it.
In March 1820, he wrote his first published articles for the Edinburgh Encyclopædia. He also learned Italian and read famous Italian writers. But German literature was his main interest. In March 1821, he finished more articles for the encyclopedia.
In May 1821, he met Jane Baillie Welsh. They started writing letters to each other. Carlyle encouraged her studies, and she called him "my German Master."
A Turning Point
During this time, Carlyle faced many personal struggles, including spiritual doubts and health issues. In July 1821, he had a major turning point in his life while bathing near Leith. He called this his "Conversion," where he overcame his inner struggles and found courage.
He continued writing and translating. His translations of Goethe's Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship (1824) and Travels (1825), and his biography of Friedrich Schiller (1825) brought him income and a good reputation. He started writing to Goethe and visited London in 1824, meeting famous writers like Charles Lamb and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He also traveled to Paris.
In May 1825, Carlyle moved to a farmhouse in Hoddam Hill, near his family. He found peace there and finished his "Conversion." He wrote German Romance (1827), a collection of German stories. He later said that his year at Hoddam Hill was "perhaps the most triumphantly important of my life."
Marriage and Craigenputtock
In October 1826, Thomas married Jane Welsh. They moved to a home on Comely Bank in Edinburgh. There, Carlyle published German Romance and wrote his first article for the Edinburgh Review. He also met other important literary figures in Edinburgh. He tried to get a professorship at universities but was not successful.
In May 1828, the Carlyles moved to Craigenputtock, a remote farmhouse owned by Jane's family. They lived there until 1834. He wrote many essays there that earned him money and made him more famous. These essays often praised German authors. He also started writing about the philosophy of history and social issues.
His most famous work from this period was Sartor Resartus. He finished it in 1831 and went to London to find a publisher. While there, he became friends with Leigh Hunt and John Stuart Mill. In 1833, Ralph Waldo Emerson visited them at Craigenputtock. This visit started a lifelong friendship and famous exchange of letters.
Moving to Chelsea
In June 1834, the Carlyles moved to 5 Cheyne Row in Chelsea, London. This house became their home for the rest of their lives. Living in London helped Carlyle meet many important writers, artists, and political figures.
Sartor Resartus was published in parts in Fraser's Magazine from 1833 to 1834. At first, it wasn't very popular. In 1834, Carlyle tried to get a job as an astronomy professor but didn't succeed. He then started researching and writing a history of the French Revolution.
In March 1835, a sad event happened. He had lent the first part of his French Revolution manuscript to his friend John Stuart Mill. Mill's housemaid accidentally burned it, thinking it was wastepaper. Carlyle was understanding and accepted some money from Mill. He then bravely rewrote the entire volume.
In 1836, Sartor Resartus was published as a book in Boston and became popular. Carlyle's three-volume history of the French Revolution was finished in 1837. This book was a huge success and made him very famous. He also started giving lectures on German literature, which were well-received.
The French Revolution led to his other works being republished. He gave more lecture series on the history of literature and modern European revolutions. These lectures were also very popular. In 1839, he published Chartism, a pamphlet where he discussed the Chartist movement and the "Condition-of-England question".
In 1840, Carlyle gave his last series of lectures, which were published as On Heroes, Hero-Worship, & the Heroic in History in 1841. He was a main founder of the London Library in 1841. He was frustrated with the British Museum Library because it was hard to find a seat, and he couldn't borrow books. So, he helped create a private library where books could be borrowed.
Carlyle then decided to write a book about Oliver Cromwell. While working on it, he wrote Past and Present (1843). The first edition of Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches: with Elucidations was published in 1845. It was very popular and helped change how people viewed Cromwell in Britain.
Later Life and Travels
Carlyle visited Ireland in 1846 and again in 1849. He wrote articles about the "Irish question", suggesting ways to help Ireland and keep it connected to England. He also wrote about the Great Famine, suggesting maize (corn) as a solution.
The Revolutions of 1848 also influenced him. He believed these changes were needed to fix society's problems. These events inspired his works "Occasional Discourse on the Negro Question" (1849) and Latter-Day Pamphlets (1850).
In 1852, Carlyle began researching Frederick the Great for a biography. He traveled to Germany to gather information. It was a very difficult project for him. The first two volumes of History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great were published in 1858. He made a second trip to Germany in 1858 to visit battlefields.
By the time Frederick was finished in 1865, it had six volumes. It was seen as a masterpiece. Carlyle became known as the "Sage of Chelsea." In November 1865, he was elected Lord Rector of Edinburgh University.
Final Years
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Carlyle traveled to Scotland in April 1866 to give his "Inaugural Address" as Rector. It was a great success and a high point in his life. While still in Scotland, he received sad news: his wife Jane had died suddenly in London. Deeply saddened, Carlyle began to edit her letters and write memories of her. He felt guilty as he read her complaints about her illnesses and his focus on his work.
Despite his grief, Carlyle remained active. He led a group supporting Governor Edward John Eyre during a controversy. In 1869, he met Queen Victoria, who described him as an "eccentric old Scotchman." In 1870, he became president of the London Library. He also wrote a letter to The Times supporting Germany in the Franco-Prussian War.
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In 1874, Carlyle received an award from Germany but turned down offers of a state pension and a knighthood from Britain. For his 80th birthday in 1875, he received a special medal and a message of admiration signed by many famous people. His last major writings were "Early Kings of Norway" and an essay on "The Portraits of John Knox" (both 1875). His last public statement was a letter to the Times in 1877, warning against war.
Thomas Carlyle fell into a coma on February 2, 1881, and died on February 5. He was buried with his parents in Ecclefechan, as he wished, instead of Westminster Abbey.
Philosophy
Carlyle's ideas about religion, history, and politics have always been debated. In the 1800s, people saw him in many different ways: as a wise man, a rebel, a moral leader, or a conservative. Even today, scholars find his beliefs complex.
Carlyle believed in two main ideas: "annihilation of self" and "Renunciation." "Annihilation of self" means freeing yourself from wanting only material things and happiness. "Renunciation" means being humble and focusing on duty. He believed that doing your duty brings "Blessedness," a feeling that everything in the universe is connected and meaningful. This also brings a deep feeling of love and pity for others.
Natural Supernaturalism
Carlyle believed that humans cannot fully understand God's true nature. He created the idea of "Natural Supernaturalism." He thought that everything visible is a "Symbol" or "Clothes" that shows a bit of the eternal and infinite. For example, language is the "Flesh-Garment" of thought, and the whole universe is a "vast Symbol of God." This means that the divine is hidden within nature and everyday life.
History as a Story
Carlyle deeply respected what he called the "Bible of Universal History." He saw it as a "real Prophetic Manuscript" that combines poetry and facts to show the divine truth of existence. For him, understanding history correctly was the highest form of poetry. He used the image of a "World-Phoenix" burning and being reborn to show that civilizations go through cycles of death and new beginnings. Even in times of decay, there are always signs of new life, like hero-worship and literature.
He believed that history is shaped by great individuals. He famously said, "The History of the world is but the Biography of great men." He also thought that historians should not just list facts. They should try to show the deeper meaning and emotion of events. He said that "Narrative is linear, Action is solid" meaning that stories are straight lines, but real life is complex and happens all at once.
Government of Heroes
Carlyle believed that society is built on respecting heroes. He called this "Heroarchy (Government of Heroes)." He didn't believe in kings who inherited their power. Instead, he thought leaders should be chosen based on their abilities and wisdom. He saw events like the Reformation and the French Revolution as victories for truth, even if they caused disruption.
Chivalry of Labour
Carlyle wanted a new kind of hero for the age of factories and industry: the "Captain of Industry." These leaders would bring dignity and honor back to work. They would form a new "Aristocracy of Talent," a "Government of the Wisest." Instead of just working for money, Carlyle wanted workers and employers to be connected by deeper ties, like a "Chivalry of Labour."
Key Ideas
Here are some of Carlyle's famous terms and what they mean:
- Cash Nexus: This means that under capitalism, all human relationships, especially work, become only about money.
- Dismal Science: Carlyle's name for economics that only focuses on supply and demand, ignoring human feelings and spiritual needs.
- Everlasting No: This is Carlyle's term for the spirit of not believing in God. It's like the character Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust, who always denies the good and noble.
- Everlasting Yea: This is Carlyle's term for having faith in God. It's a strong belief that stands against the "Everlasting No."
- Gigman: Carlyle's word for someone who cares too much about being respectable and showing off wealth. It comes from a story where someone defined a "respectable" person as "one that keeps a gig" (a type of carriage).
- Natural Supernaturalism: This is the idea that the amazing and miraculous can be found hidden in everyday, natural things. It means seeing the divine in the common world.
- Worship of Silence: Carlyle believed in the importance of being quiet and thinking deeply before speaking. He thought great ideas are born from silence.
Writing Style
Carlyle's writing style is very unique and energetic. It's often called "Carlylese." It's not calm or balanced, but full of excitement. Even in his early writings, his style stood out. In Sartor Resartus, his writing is a mix of poetic language, German ideas, and strong advice. He used it to celebrate the mystery of everyday life.
Carlyle wanted his historical writing to be very visual, like the works of Goethe or Shakespeare. He didn't just report facts. He made events feel immediate and real, often using the present tense. In The French Revolution, he created a very original voice. He mixed common language with references to old epics and French history.
In his social criticism, Carlyle used many metaphors to describe society as sick. He used funny characters to make fun of bad leaders. He also used memorable phrases to challenge common ideas. He could make familiar things seem strange and amazing. He was also a very good observer, capturing scenes clearly in his letters and memoirs. His strong appreciation for visual details and his powerful use of words made his style appealing.
New Words
Carlyle created or popularized many words and phrases that are still used today. The Oxford English Dictionary lists him as the 26th most quoted author. Over 500 words or phrases were first used by him.
Humor
Carlyle's humor was influenced by writers like Miguel de Cervantes and Jonathan Swift. He moved away from simple irony to a deeper, more understanding kind of humor. He used humorous characters in his works, like Diogenes Teufelsdröckh (which means "God-born Devil's-dung"). He also used exaggerated language, wordplay, and unusual references to create humor.
Allusions
Carlyle's writing is full of references to other works, especially the Bible. His language, images, and ideas are deeply influenced by it. He often referred to books like Job, Psalms, and Matthew. The French Revolution also has many references to Homer's epics. The language of John Milton and William Shakespeare also appears throughout his writings.
Character
Carlyle was known for his distinctive wideawake hat. He was also famous for his conversations. Ralph Waldo Emerson said he was an "immense talker." Charles Darwin thought he was "the most worth listening to." People noted his "singularly musical voice" and his "broad, honest, human laugh."
Some people compared him to Dante Alighieri, seeing him as a deep and serious thinker. Others saw him as more like a humorous, satirical speaker. Emerson saw him as a practical Scotsman who also happened to be an amazing scholar and writer.
Legacy
Influence on Writers and Thinkers
Carlyle had a huge impact on English literature in the 1800s. Many famous authors were influenced by him, including Matthew Arnold, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and John Ruskin. Ruskin even called Carlyle his "master" and "papa."
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Carlyle's ideas also shaped the English Bildungsroman (a type of novel about a character's growth). His idea of symbols influenced French Symbolism in art. His focus on medieval times also influenced Victorian literature.
Even though many later writers reacted against Victorian ideas, Carlyle's influence can still be seen in the works of T. S. Eliot and James Joyce.
Carlyle also had a big impact on philosophy. He strongly influenced American Transcendentalism, a movement that believed in the goodness of people and nature. Many members of this movement, like Emerson, were inspired by him.
He also helped shape how people thought about history. He believed history should show the "miraculous dimension of the past." Many historians were influenced by him, including James Anthony Froude.
Impact on Society
Carlyle's ideas about medieval times and his criticism of industrial practices influenced social laws. His attacks on laissez-faire economics (where the government doesn't interfere with the economy) inspired progressive movements in the United States.
His influence on modern socialism has been called "foundational." Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels even quoted him in their writings. He was also important to the British labor movement. Individual reformers like Octavia Hill and Emmeline Pankhurst found inspiration in his work.
Even though he didn't like the label, 19th-century conservatives were also influenced by Carlyle. Nationalist movements also looked to him for ideas.
Influence on Art
Carlyle's criticism of industry and economics helped shape the ideas behind the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Arts and Crafts movement. Many artists in these movements recognized his importance. For example, William Holman Hunt used Carlyle as a model for the head of Christ in his painting The Light of the World.
Carlyle also helped popularize the term "Æesthetics" in English. His writing style and ideas about art laid the groundwork for the Aesthetic Movement.
In Literature
This section lists how Thomas Carlyle has been shown or referenced in other books and stories.
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- In 1833, William Maginn made fun of Carlyle's style in Fraser's Magazine.
- Benjamin Disraeli imitated Carlyle's writing style in political letters in 1838.
- Carlyle appears as the character Collins in John Sterling's story "The Onyx Ring" (1843).
- Charles Kingsley included characters like Carlyle in his novels Yeast (1848) and Alton Locke (1850).
- Punch magazine made fun of Carlyle after his Latter-Day Pamphlets were published in 1850.
- Anthony Trollope made fun of Carlyle in his novel The Warden (1855) with the character Dr. Pessimist Anticant.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning mentions Carlyle by name in her poem Aurora Leigh (1856).
- Mark Twain wrote a funny response to Carlyle's essay "Shooting Niagara" in 1869.
- George Meredith wrote a poem for Carlyle's 80th birthday in 1875.
- Carlyle is a character named Dr. Shrapnel in Meredith's novel Beauchamp's Career (1876).
- In Henry James' novel The Bostonians (1886), a character is described as a big admirer of Carlyle.
- Arthur Conan Doyle mentions Carlyle in his 1887 novel A Study in Scarlet.
- In Samuel Butler's novel The Way of All Flesh (1903), a character is told he will become "a kind of Carlyle sort of a man."
- James Joyce made fun of Carlyle's style in his famous novel Ulysses (1922).
- In Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse (1927), a character complains that "the young don't read Carlyle."
- Two Passengers for Chelsea (1928) is a play about Carlyle and his wife.
- Speaking Dust (1938) is a novel that tells the story of Thomas and Jane Carlyle's lives.
- Mrs. Carlyle: A Historical Play (1950) is a play about Jane Carlyle.
- Neighboring Lives (1980) is a fictional story about the Carlyles and their neighbors in Chelsea.
Images for kids
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Plaque at 22A Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh
See also
In Spanish: Thomas Carlyle para niños
