also Carlisle, English Thomas Carlyle
Scottish-born British writer, essayist, historian and philosopher
short biography
(a less common, but more correct option is Carlisle) - an English writer of Scottish origin, novelist, critic, philosopher, publicist, historian, excellent stylist who worked in the Victorian era.
The owner of such versatile talents was born into an ordinary family that lived in the Scottish village of Ecclefehen on December 4, 1795. Calvinist parents brought up the boy in great severity, instilled respect for work and religion; classes in literature in their environment were considered pampering. Thomas was educated first in his native village, then he was a pupil of a private school in the city of Ennan.
At the age of 14, he becomes a student at the University of Edinburgh, fortunately, this was facilitated by the obvious talent of a teenager in the field of the humanities. His parents predicted for him a career as a clergyman, but Thomas himself had no desire to take the priesthood. As a result, he became the owner of a degree in mathematics. After graduating from the university in 1814, until 1818 he worked as a mathematics teacher in provincial schools. Carlyle then returned to Edinburgh, where he began to study law. However, German literature interested him much more, and already in 1820 the young man realized that his only desire and vocation was literary activity, which he was engaged in from time to time, while still learning the profession of a lawyer.
His literary debut began with the publication in 1824 of Schiller's biography. In 1826, the main source of livelihood for Carlyle, who married in the same year, was cooperation with magazines. Problems with money and health forced him and his wife to move to a farm that belonged to her, where the writer devoted himself mainly to working on the work that brought him great fame - “Sartor Resatrus. Life and Opinions of Professor Teufelsdrock" (1833-1834). The philosophical and journalistic novel became the conductor of the philosophy of Carlyle, who believed that the modern world was arranged incorrectly, because, without reviving the truth of the spirit, he prefers scientific rationalism, which is detrimental to him.
Since 1834 Carlyle's biography has been associated with London. In the English capital, he lives a rich creative life: one after another, his books, conversations, letters, and journalistic essays are published. In 1837, Thomas Carlyle's "History of the French Revolution" was published, which is considered his best historical work, the object of study in which was the death of the French aristocracy, which failed to do anything in order to regain its position in society and reform for its own salvation. existing system.
In the 40s. in the worldview of Carlyle, there is a tilt towards conservative ideas, the denunciation of the capitalist system loses its former sharpness. In 1841, his book “On Heroes and the Honoring of Heroes” was published, which had a noticeable impact on all European historical science: after it, world history began to be considered in the context of the life and work of great personalities.
In 1865-1876. Carlyle is the honorary rector of the University of Edinburgh, and this was the only position in his biography (and even that did not require a personal presence) that he ever held, since his life turned out to be entirely devoted to creativity. By the end of his life, Carlyle became truly famous, but he rejected the title of nobility, pension and other regalia. He received only the Prussian Order of Merit (1875) and an honorary degree from Harvard University (1875). Thomas Carlyle died on February 4, 1881 in London.
Biography from Wikipedia
Thomas Carlyle(also Carlisle, English Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881) - British writer, publicist, historian and philosopher of Scottish origin, author of the multi-volume essays The French Revolution (1837), Heroes, Heroic Worship and the Heroic in History (1841), Life History of Frederick II of Prussia » (1858-65). He professed a romantic "cult of heroes" - exceptional personalities like Napoleon, who, with their deeds, fulfill the divine destiny and move humanity forward, towering over the crowd of limited inhabitants. Also known as one of the brilliant stylists of the Victorian era.
Start of activity
Born into a simple peasant family; destined by his parents - strict Calvinists for a spiritual career, at the age of 14 he entered the University of Edinburgh. Not wanting to be a priest, after completing his course at the university, he became a mathematics teacher in the provinces, but soon returned to Edinburgh. Here, living on casual literary earnings, for some time he was intensively engaged in law, preparing for the practice of law; but he quickly abandoned this, carried away by German literature.
Essays on German Literature
The translation of Goethe's Wilhelm Meister in 1824 and the Life of Schiller in 1825 were Carlyle's first major works. These were followed by critical analyzes and translations from Jean-Paul.
"Prophetic sorrow as deep as Dante" disguised in "the sunny and refined Goethe", Carlyle considered accessible only to a few mortals.
He gave a course of lectures on German literature, in 1838 - on European literature, in 1839 - on the topic "Revolution in modern Europe". The last time I read the course was in 1840. It was the only published and therefore extant course on the role of the hero in history. The list of heroes itself: Dante, Shakespeare, Luther, Napoleon, Cromwell, etc. These lectures brought some income to Carlyle, and after 1840 he no longer needed money and he was rarely able to be encouraged to speak.
A book about the French Revolution. Historical and philosophical views
The same originality as these works is distinguished by the “History of the French Revolution” (“French Revolution, a history”, 1837), the caustic pamphlet “Chartism” (1839), lectures on heroes and the heroic in history (“On Hero Worship”, 1841) and historical and philosophical reflections "Past and present" (1843).
Not suited to any of the established political parties, Carlyle felt lonely and thought for some time about publishing his own magazine to preach his "believing radicalism". All these works of Carlyle are imbued with the desire to reduce the progress of mankind to the life of individual outstanding personalities-heroes (according to Carlyle, world history is a biography of great people, see The Theory of Great People), to put exclusively moral duty at the basis of civilization; his political program is limited to the preaching of labor, moral feeling and faith. An exaggerated appreciation of the heroic in history and distrust of the power of institutions and knowledge led him to a formal cult of times past, more favorable to heroic people. His views are brighter than anywhere else, reflected in the twelve "Latter-day pamphlets" ("Latter-day pamphlets", 1858); here he laughs at the emancipation of the Negroes, at democracy, philanthropy, political and economic doctrines, etc. Not only did the former enemies resent Carlyle after these pamphlets, but many admirers ceased to understand him.
Other historical writings
Throughout the 1840s, Carlyle's views shifted towards conservatism. Gradually, in the works of Carlyle, criticism of capitalism sounded more and more muffled, and his statements directed against the actions of the masses became more and more sharp. In the book Before and Now, he painted idyllic pictures of medieval society, where simple noble customs allegedly reigned, a good monarch ensured the well-being and freedom of his subjects, and the church baked about high moral values. It was a romantic utopia that brought Carlyle closer to the feudal socialists.
Of all Carlyle's writings, the Letters and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell (1845-46), with commentaries, is of the greatest historical importance; the latter are far from impartial to the "hero" Cromwell. Carlyle showed in a new way the role of Cromwell in the history of the country, in particular, his merits in the rise of the sea power of England and in strengthening its international prestige. The work was innovative for its time. Until that time, English historians ignored this figure, seeing in him only a “regicide” and a “tyrant”. Carlyle made an attempt to reveal the true motives and significance of Cromwell's state activities. He also tried to understand the nature of the revolution itself, but proceeded from the fact that the English Revolution, unlike the French, was of a religious nature and had no "earthly goals."
Carlyle's most extensive work is "History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great II" (1858-65), which forced him to undertake a trip to Germany. With many brilliant qualities, it suffers from great prolongation. Carlyle sings of this "hero-king" and admires the order of feudal Prussia.
In 1841, being dissatisfied with the policy of the British Library, he initiated the creation of the London Library.
In 1847 his "Historical and Critical Essays" (a collection of journal articles) appeared, in 1851 a biography of his friend of his youth, the poet Sterling. From 1868 to 1870, Carlyle was busy publishing a complete collection of his works ("Library edition", in 34 volumes). This edition was followed the following year by a cheap "People's edition", which was repeated many times. He went on to publish a series of essays entitled The First Norwegian Kings (1875).
In 1866, Carlyle was offered the honorary position of rector of the University of Edinburgh. In addition to this position, he never held any position, remaining only a writer all his life. During the Franco-Prussian War, he took the side of Prussia and passionately and sincerely defended her cause in his letters to The Times, published separately (1871).
Thomas Carlyle died in 1881.
Carlyle and Nazism
Carlyle was one of those who returned to the idea of the prominent role of individuals, "heroes" in history. One of his most famous works, which had a very strong influence on contemporaries and descendants, was called “Heroes and the Heroic in History” (1840, Russian translation 1891; see also: Carlyle 1994). According to Carlyle, world history is the biography of great men. Carlyle concentrates in his works on certain personalities and their roles, preaches lofty goals and feelings, and writes a number of brilliant biographies. He says much less about the masses. In his opinion, the masses are often only tools in the hands of great personalities. According to Carlyle, there is a kind of historical circle or cycle. When the heroic principle in society weakens, then the hidden destructive forces of the masses can break out (in revolutions and uprisings), and they act until the society again finds in itself “true heroes”, leaders (such as Cromwell or Napoleon). A similar heroic approach , undoubtedly, drew attention to the role of individuals, set (but did not solve) the problem of revealing the causes of fluctuations in this role in history. But it had too obvious flaws (besides unsystematic presentation): only “heroes” were considered, society was rigidly divided into leaders and the masses, the causes of revolutions were reduced to social feelings, etc.
Carlyle's views in some way anticipated the views of Nietzsche with his cult of the superman, and through him - Hitler and other fascist ideologists. Thus Professor Charles Sarolea, in his 1938 article "Was Carlyle the First Nazi?", attempts to answer this question in the affirmative in the Anglo-German Review:
Nazism is not a German invention, it originally originated abroad and came to us from there ... The philosophy of Nazism, the theory of dictatorship were formulated a hundred years ago by the greatest Scot of his time - Carlyle, the most revered of political prophets. Subsequently, his ideas were developed by Houston Stewart Chamberlain. There is not a single basic doctrine of... Nazism on which the Nazi religion is based that would not be... Carlyle, or Chamberlain. Both Carlyle and Chamberlain ... are truly the spiritual fathers of the Nazi religion ... Like Hitler, Carlyle never changed his hatred, his contempt for the parliamentary system ... Like Hitler, Carlyle always believed in the saving virtue of dictatorship.
Bertrand Russell, in his History of Western Philosophy (1946), stated: The next step after Carlyle and Nietzsche - Hitler».
Thomas Carlyle (a less common, but more correct option is Carlisle) is an English writer of Scottish origin, novelist, critic, philosopher, publicist, historian, excellent stylist who worked in the Victorian era.
The owner of such versatile talents was born into an ordinary family that lived in the Scottish village of Ecclefehen on December 4, 1795. Calvinist parents brought up the boy in great severity, instilled respect for work and religion; classes in literature in their environment were considered pampering. Thomas was educated first in his native village, then he was a pupil of a private school in the city of Ennan.
At the age of 14, he becomes a student at the University of Edinburgh, fortunately, this was facilitated by the obvious talent of a teenager in the field of the humanities. His parents predicted for him a career as a clergyman, but Thomas himself had no desire to take the priesthood. As a result, he became the owner of a degree in mathematics. After graduating from the university in 1814, until 1818 he worked as a mathematics teacher in provincial schools. Carlyle then returned to Edinburgh, where he began to study law. However, German literature interested him much more, and already in 1820 the young man realized that his only desire and vocation was literary activity, which he was engaged in from time to time, while still learning the profession of a lawyer.
His literary debut began with the publication in 1824 of Schiller's biography. In 1826, the main source of livelihood for Carlyle, who married in the same year, was cooperation with magazines. Problems with money and health forced him and his wife to move to a farm that belonged to her, where the writer devoted himself mainly to working on the work that brought him great fame - “Sartor Resatrus. Life and Opinions of Professor Teufelsdrock" (1833-1834). The philosophical and journalistic novel became the conductor of the philosophy of Carlyle, who believed that the modern world was arranged incorrectly, because, without reviving the truth of the spirit, he prefers scientific rationalism, which is detrimental to him.
Since 1834 Carlyle's biography has been associated with London. In the English capital, he lives a rich creative life: one after another, his books, conversations, letters, and journalistic essays are published. In 1837, Thomas Carlyle's "History of the French Revolution" was published, which is considered his best historical work, the object of study in which was the death of the French aristocracy, which failed to do anything in order to regain its position in society and reform for its own salvation. existing system.
In the 40s. in the worldview of Carlyle, there is a tilt towards conservative ideas, the denunciation of the capitalist system loses its former sharpness. In 1841, his book “On Heroes and the Honoring of Heroes” was published, which had a noticeable impact on all European historical science: after it, world history began to be considered in the context of the life and work of great personalities.
In 1865-1876. Carlyle is the honorary rector of the University of Edinburgh, and this was the only position in his biography (and even that did not require a personal presence) that he ever held, since his life turned out to be entirely devoted to creativity. By the end of his life, Carlyle became truly famous, but he rejected the title of nobility, pension and other regalia. He received only the Prussian Order of Merit (1875) and an honorary degree from Harvard University (1875). Thomas Carlyle died on February 5, 1881 in London.
An English publicist, philosopher and historian, he put forward the concept of the "cult of heroes". In his opinion, the only creators of history. His theory was questioned even at the time of writing. What can we say about the present tense. But, despite the changeability of the worldview and philosophy of the author, the ideological and thematic component of many of his novels can be considered truly revolutionary.
Thomas Carlyle. Biography
Thomas is the eldest of nine children of stonemason James Carlyle and Margaret Aitken. He was born on December 4, 1795 in the village of Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, in Scotland. His father was a strict, quick-tempered puritan, a man of extraordinary honesty and strength of character. From him, Thomas adopted a way of thinking and rules of behavior that influenced his philosophy of life.
From five to nine years old, the boy studied at a rural school. Then at the Annan school, where he showed an aptitude for mathematics. Thomas was fluent in Latin and French. Having set himself the goal of becoming a minister in the future, in 1809 he entered the University of Edinburgh.
In 1814, Carlyle abandoned these thoughts and took up the study of mathematics. But in the end he takes a great interest in the German language, reads a lot outside the curriculum and in 1816 goes to the Kirkcaldy school. There he meets an old school friend Annan, now a school teacher, Edward Irving. A strong friendship developed between the young people, which lasted until Irving's death.
Thomas Carlyle was a genius, but selfish and self-confident, he did not know the meaning of true love. In his eyes, his wife is a cook, a housekeeper, a woman who is ready to sacrifice everything for his talent. In those years, Thomas became interested in a lady from a good family, Margaret Gordon, for her sake he stayed in Kirkcaldy for another two years.
Perhaps it was Margaret who would have made him a suitable party. But he was destined to marry a woman who was herself a genius.
Meeting with Jane Welsh
Before leaving for London, Irving introduces Carlyle to Jane Bailey Welsh, daughter of the surgeon John Welsh. She was a beautiful, fragile, well-bred girl. Well educated, with a brilliant sense of humor, she had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. The father encouraged and always supported his daughter.
He introduced her to the brilliant scientist Edward Irving, who gave her private lessons. The teacher and student fell in love at first sight. But this relationship was hopeless, since Irving was already engaged. And, no matter how hard he tried, neither the bride nor her father released him from these promises. He was forced to marry.
Jane, meanwhile, turned to literature for consolation. And Irving introduced her to a writer, a poor man, without fame. But, according to Edward, who has talent and is called to shine in the firmament of art.
Among Jane's many admirers, the gruff Thomas made an unpleasant impression. He was strange, rude and bossy. Thomas Carlyle immediately imbued with warm feelings for the girl. And his love aroused her interest. But no more than that. Jane even swore to herself that she would never marry him.
Jane admired Carlyle's mastery of the German language. She asked him to work with her. Soon Carlyle returned to Edinburgh and a correspondence began between them. German lessons by mail are, of course, an unusual form of courtship. But Carlyle was sure that this was the only way to Jane's heart.
She wrote in her messages that she would always be his devoted, faithful friend, but she would never become his wife. Fate decreed otherwise. One day, Edward Irving let a mutual friend know about his hopeless love for Jane.
And Jane, partly to spite Irving, partly to stop the rumors that she had feelings for a married man, allowed her engagement to Carlyle to be announced. In 1826 they got married and went to live in Komeli Bank (Edinburgh).
Personal life
The first few months of their life together were happy. Comely Bank was within reach of civilization. Jane had the opportunity to communicate with her acquaintances. And Carlyle, despite his complete and selfish absorption in his work, showed respect for her feelings and interests.
But when they moved to Craigenputtock, where they spent six years, Jane realized the horror of her situation. Thomas Carlyle was indifferent to the goals and interests of others. He did not realize and did not pay attention to the mental suffering of his wife.
And it is hard to imagine that an educated and talented girl, full of joy for life, could bury herself in this dull area. But Jane endured all the hardships so that Thomas could work in peace.
She sewed her own dresses when the family was short of money, cooked food for him, so he had a sick stomach. And they could not afford to keep servants.
Jane tried to gather in her house people who appreciated her husband's talent. She endured the courtship of socialites for her husband. But the most amazing thing about this woman was that she did not try to change her husband's character. She accepted him for who he was.
Publicism
Carlyle began his creative activity by writing articles for the Edinburgh Encyclopedia. Articles did not have much merit, but brought little income. In 1820 and 1821 he visited Irving in Glasgow and stayed for a long time at his father's new farm at Manhill.
In 1821, Carlyle experienced a spiritual renaissance that played a role in the creation of the Sartor Resartus. In the same year, Carlyle follows Irving to London. While still at Kirkcaldy School, Thomas began to experience severe stomach pains that tormented him all his life. He takes care of his health, heals the stomach. Then he leaves for Paris for a short while.
Since the spring of 1823, Thomas Carlyle has been tutor to Charles and Arthur Buller, first in Edinburgh, then in Dunkeld.
At the same time, he was engaged in translations from German. Schiller's Life was published in a London magazine in small installments during 1823-1824. The work was published as a separate volume in 1825. Following Carlyle translates the work of J. W. Goethe "The Years of the Teaching of Wilhelm Meister". It has also been published as a separate book.
In 1825 he returned to Scotland to his brother's farm and worked on German translations.
Literary works
Carlyle works as a contributor to the Edinburgh Review. In 1827 he publishes two important articles: Richter and The State of German Literature. The Review also published two insightful essays on Goethe. And a cordial correspondence began between Carlyle and the great German writer.
Goethe wrote a letter of recommendation for Thomas to the chair of philosophy at St. Andrews University. Another recommendation was sent to the new University of London. But both attempts at employment were unsuccessful. And Carlyle, who did not like city noise, decided to move to the countryside.
Until 1834, Thomas leads a hermit life. He devotes himself entirely to writing essays, and his talented wife suffers from loneliness in the rural outback. Francis Geoffrey, editor of the Edinburgh Review, who thought of Carlyle as his successor, makes him a lucrative offer of cooperation. But Thomas refuses.
In August 1833, young Ralph Emerson visits Carlyle. He was graciously received and subsequently became the best friend of the family.
First major work
The Sartor Resartus was published in Fraser's in installments over ten months in 1830. Later this work will be published in book format. Sartor Resartu is an ironic, parodic treatise in which the author describes the life of a non-existent Professor Teufelsdrock with an awkward and obscene nickname.
In a playful way, the author criticizes politics, art, religion and social life in his work. In an allegorical form, he writes about poverty and luxury - the two poles of reality in England at that time. This narrative is also interesting because in it the author expresses thoughts dear to him about the significance of the biography of famous people.
Here Carlyle Thomas also touches on philological issues. The author's reasoning about the nature of language is clearly inspired by the work of German linguists. Pays attention to the nature and meanings of symbols. In these matters, too, the influence of German idealism can be traced.
His work was imbued with amazing, humorous energy, moral strength. The work was "destroyed" by the press, and until 1838 it was not published as a separate book. Now this novel is among the most significant works of Carlyle. His other notable works of that time - these are essays on Voltaire, Novalis and Richter - were published in Foreign Review.
After unsuccessful applications to the universities of London and Edinburgh in January 1834, Carlyle decided to settle thoroughly in London. The struggle for existence during this period was especially difficult. This happened because of the refusal to engage in journalistic work, even Carlyle refused the job offer from The Times. Instead, he began working on The French Revolution.
Carlyle's greatest work
In the spring of 1835, an important and historically significant work was written by Carlyle Thomas. "The French Revolution" is a work that was recognized by literary critics as one of the most significant. Carlyle gave the first manuscript for processing to the philosopher J. Mill.
But due to the carelessness of the latter, the manuscript fell into the hands of his illiterate housekeeper, who considered it waste paper and burned Carlyle's manuscript. Mill was inconsolable. Carlyle, on the other hand, endured the loss with the utmost steadfastness and behaved nobly, accepting with difficulty a small monetary compensation of £100 from Mill.
The French Revolution was rewritten and published in January 1837. This work has been recognized as one of the most advanced writings of the day and has cemented Carlyle's reputation. But this fundamental work was sold rather slowly, and Carlyle had to lecture to provide for his family. Having settled in London, Carlyle did a great job, gradually creating literary fame for himself, which later became worldwide.
In this work, Carlyle writes about the French Revolution and its impact on the social and political life of Europe. Carlyle puts the personality at the center of the narrative, while denying the importance of objective causes in the development of mankind.
The inevitability of the fall of the monarchy, which is incapable of governing a people demanding change, is what Thomas Carlyle tells about the atmosphere of France. The French Revolution, history, the prerequisites that led to this significant event, the author revealed in his work fully and diversified.
In the forties, he had already become popular among writers, aristocracy and statesmen. He acquired influential and famous friends. Among them were Tyndall, Peel, Grote, Ruskin, Monckton Milnes and Browning. A close friend of Carlyle was the priest John Sterling. Carlyle reflected this in his Life, published in 1851.
Works by Carlyle
In literature, Carlyle moved further and further away from democratic ideas. For example, the work "Past and Present". Thomas Carlyle in the works "Chartism" and "Cromwell" also developed the theses about a strong and merciless ruler, to whom everyone would obey. The Pamphlets of the Last Days, which includes The Statue of Hudson, poured out all his contempt for philanthropic and humanitarian tendencies.
Carlyle's last powerful work was the six-volume history of Prussia, Frederick the Great. While working on the book, he twice (in 1852 and 1858) visited Germany, reviewed a huge amount of material. The first two volumes, which appeared in the autumn of 1858, were hailed as a masterpiece. The rest of the volumes came out in 1862-1865.
In the autumn of 1965, Carlyle was elected rector of the University of Edinburgh. At the same time, he learned of the sudden death of his wife. From this moment begins a gradual decline in creativity. In the autumn of 1866, he joins the committee for the defense of the governor of Eyre, who was accused of brutally suppressing the uprising.
The following year, Carlyle wrote the tract Shooting Niagara against the Reform Act. In the war of 1870-1871, he sided with the Prussian army. In 1874 he was awarded the Prussian Pour le Merite and in the same year he renounced the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and a pension. Carlyle died on February 4, 1881 and was buried in Ekklefechan.
The legacy of Carlyle includes thirty volumes of historical and journalistic works. After the death of his wife Jane in 1866, he did not produce a single significant work.
Philosophical views
Like Carlyle's character, so is his philosophy full of contradictions. Noble and devoted to his ideals, he was at the same time rude and unfriendly to other people.
His contemporaries claim that Carlyle was an unsociable, unsociable person. His love for his wife was deep, but for her life with him was hard. Carlyle despised philanthropy and liberal legislation, but increasingly admired despotism. There was no coherent philosophical content in his teaching.
Carlyle was blind to the greatest phenomenon of that time - the rise of science, and spoke insultingly about Darwin. The formal economy was also condemned by him.
Carlyle's theological outlook is difficult to define: he was alien to any orthodox creeds, but at the same time he condemned atheism. His main dogma was the worship of power. Starting as a radical, Thomas Carlyle began to despise the democratic system and increasingly exalt the need for a strong and harsh government.
The author's books introduced readers not only to Germany, but also opposed the bourgeoisie in those years when its tastes and ideas subjugated the literature of that time. Therefore, in literature, Carlyle was a pioneer - his reasoning was sometimes revolutionary. This was the historical merit of the author.
Origins, author of the multi-volume essays The French Revolution (1837), Heroes, the veneration of heroes and the heroic in history (1841), Life History of Frederick II of Prussia (1858-65). He professed a romantic "cult of heroes" - exceptional personalities like Napoleon, who fulfill the divine destiny with their deeds and move humanity forward, towering over the crowd of limited inhabitants. Also known as one of the brilliant stylists of the Victorian era.
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Start of activity
Born into a simple peasant family; destined by his parents - strict Calvinists for a spiritual career, at the age of 14 he entered the University of Edinburgh. Not wanting to be a priest, after completing his course at the university, he became a mathematics teacher in the provinces, but soon returned to Edinburgh. Here, living on casual literary earnings, for some time he intensively studied law, preparing for the practice of law; but he quickly abandoned this too, becoming carried away by German literature.
Essays on German Literature
"Prophetic grief, as deep as Dante" disguised in "sunny and refined Goethe", Carlyle considered accessible only to a few mortals.
He read a course of lectures on German literature, in 1838 - on European literature, in 1839 - on the topic "Revolution in modern Europe". The last time I read the course was in 1840. It was the only published and therefore extant course on the role of the hero in history. The list of heroes itself: Dante, Shakespeare, Luther, Rousseau, Napoleon, Cromwell, and others. These lectures brought some income to Carlyle, and after 1840 he no longer needed money and was rarely able to move him to speak.
A book about the French Revolution. Historical and philosophical views
The same originality as these works is distinguished by the “History of the French Revolution” (“French Revolution, a history”, ), the caustic pamphlet “Chartism” (), lectures on heroes and the heroic in history (“On Hero worship”, ) and historical and philosophical reflections "Past and present" ().
Not suited to any of the established political parties, Carlyle felt lonely and thought for some time about publishing his own magazine to preach his "believing radicalism". All these works of Carlyle are imbued with the desire to reduce the progress of mankind to the life of individual outstanding personalities-heroes (according to Carlyle, world history is a biography of great people, see Theory of great people), to put exclusively moral duty at the basis of civilization; his political program is limited to the preaching of labor, moral feeling and faith. An exaggerated appreciation of the heroic in history and distrust of the power of institutions and knowledge led him to a formal cult of times past, more favorable to heroic people. His views are brighter than anywhere else, reflected in the twelve "Latter-day pamphlets" ("Latter-day pamphlets",); here he laughs at the emancipation of the Negroes, at democracy, philanthropy, political and economic doctrines, etc. Not only did the former enemies resent Carlyle after these pamphlets, but many admirers also ceased to understand him.
Other historical writings
Throughout the 1840s, Carlyle's views shifted towards conservatism. Gradually, in the works of Carlyle, criticism of capitalism sounded more and more muffled, and his statements directed against the actions of the masses became more and more sharp. In the book Before and Now, he painted idyllic pictures of medieval society, where simple noble customs allegedly reigned, a good monarch ensured the well-being and freedom of his subjects, and the church baked about high moral values. It was a romantic utopia that brought Carlyle closer to the feudal socialists.
Of all Carlyle's writings, the Letters and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell (1845-46), with commentaries, is of the greatest historical importance; the latter are far from impartial towards the "hero" Cromwell. Carlyle showed in a new way the role of Cromwell in the history of the country, in particular, his merits in the rise of the sea power of England and in strengthening its international prestige. The work was innovative for its time. Until that time, English historians ignored this figure, seeing in him only a “regicide” and a “tyrant”. Carlyle made an attempt to reveal the true motives and significance of Cromwell's state activities. He also tried to understand the nature of the revolution itself, but proceeded from the fact that the English Revolution, unlike the French, was of a religious nature and had no "earthly goals."
Carlyle's most extensive work is History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great II (1858-65), which forced him to take a trip to Germany. With many brilliant qualities, it suffers from great prolongation. Carlyle sings of this "hero-king" and admires the order of feudal Prussia.
In 1841, being dissatisfied with the policy of the British Library, he initiated the creation of the London Library.
Carlyle and Nazism
The English philosopher Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) was one of those who returned to the idea of the prominent role of personalities, "heroes" in history. One of his most famous works, which had a very strong influence on contemporaries and descendants, was called “Heroes and the Heroic in History” (1840, Russian translation 1891; see also: Carlyle 1994). According to Carlyle, world history is the biography of great men. Carlyle concentrates in his works on certain personalities and their roles, preaches lofty goals and feelings, and writes a number of brilliant biographies. He says much less about the masses. In his opinion, the masses are often only tools in the hands of great personalities. According to Carlyle, there is a kind of historical circle or cycle. When the heroic principle in society weakens, then the hidden destructive forces of the masses can break out (in revolutions and uprisings), and they act until the society again discovers in itself the “true heroes”, leaders (such as Cromwell or Napoleon). Such a heroic approach undoubtedly drew attention to the role of individuals, set (but did not solve) the problem of revealing the reasons for the fluctuations of this role in history. But it had too obvious flaws (besides unsystematic presentation): only “heroes” were considered, society was rigidly divided into leaders and the masses, the causes of revolutions were reduced to social feelings, etc.
Thomas Carlyle (December 4, 1795 - February 5, 1881) - Scottish writer, publicist, historian and philosopher, popularizer and one of the founders of a special style of artistic and philosophical historical literature - the "Cult of Heroes". A very popular stylist. He had a great influence on legal thought.
A family
Born in the Calvinist family of James Carlyle and his second wife Janet Aitken, he was the eldest of nine children (pictured is Thomas's mother). His father was a bricklayer, later a small farmer. He was respected for his stamina and independence. Stern in appearance, he had a kind soul. Carlyle's family ties were unusually strong, and Thomas treated his father with great reverence, as reflected in his memoirs. He always had the most tender feelings for his mother and was a wonderful brother.
Studies
Parents did not have much money, so seven-year-old Carlyle was sent to study at a parochial school. When he was ten years old, he was transferred to Annan High School. His penchant for fighting led to problems with many of the students at the school, but he soon showed a strong interest in learning, prompting his father to teach him the worship. In 1809 he entered the University of Edinburgh. He had little interest in his studies, apart from Sir John Leslie's course in mathematics, who later became a good friend of his.
He also read a lot. However, literature, and the work of his contemporaries, had the greatest influence on him. Several guys in the same position as him saw him as an intellectual leader, and their correspondence reflects common literary tastes. In 1814, Carlyle, still preparing to become a priest, received a master's degree in mathematics from the Annan school, which enabled him to save some money. In 1816 he was appointed teacher at a school in Kirkland.
spiritual crisis
In 1818 Carlyle decided to give up his spiritual career. He did not explain to anyone the details of the transformations that had taken place in him, however, his desire to abandon the dogmatic views of spiritual mentors, who were always deeply respected by him, was obvious. For a while, atheism seemed the only way out, but he was deeply disgusted with it. All this led Carlyle to a spiritual crisis, which he managed to overcome only after writing Sartor Resartus. The life and thoughts of Mr. Teufelsdrock” in June 1821. He banished the spirit of denial, and since then the nature of his suffering has been changed forever. It was no longer "whining", but "indignation and grim defiance." In 1819, he began to study German, which led him to new interesting acquaintances. He was very interested in German literature. Most of all he liked the works of Goethe. In them, he saw an opportunity to discard obsolete dogmas without plunging into materialism. They met and corresponded for a long time. Goethe spoke positively of the translations of his books.
Personal life
After a long courtship, in 1826 Thomas Carlyle married Jane Bailey Welch. She was from a much more affluent family, and it took him several years to earn enough to get his marriage approved. They lived together for forty years, until Jane's death. The first years after their marriage they lived in the countryside, but in 1834 they moved to London. Lady Welch was childless, which later led to quarrels and jealousy. Evidence of this is their correspondence. Their life was also difficult because of Carlyle's psychological problems. With great emotionality and a fragile psyche, he often suffered from the pangs of depression, he was tormented by insomnia, and the loud singing of birds in his neighbor's garden drove him crazy. Bouts of rage abruptly gave way to outbursts of exaggerated humor. He was saved only by immersion headlong into work. For this, solitude and peace were necessary, and a special soundproof room was equipped in their house. As a result, his wife was often forced to do all household chores alone, often feeling abandoned.
Literary works
In the mid-1830s, Carlyle published Sartor Resartus. The Life and Thoughts of Herr Teufelsdrock" in Fraser's Journal. Despite the depth of philosophical thought, the impressive validity of his conclusions, this book did not have sufficient success. In 1837, his work "On the French Revolution" was published, which brought him real success. From 1837 to 1840 he gave several lectures, of which only one ("The Hero's Cult") was published. All of them brought him financial success, and at the age of forty-five he managed to become financially independent. He had many students and followers. From 1865 he became rector of the University of Edinburgh.
Views on the structure of society
The revolutionary and bitter moods of Byron's era, Thomas Carlyle, whose biography is presented in the article, opposed the Gospel. He spoke out for social reforms. In the struggle against a mechanical view of the world, respect for the majority and utilitarianism, he advocated a life filled with meaning, the development of the highest, supra-individual human values. Thomas Carlyle countered the leveled power of democratic tendencies with the cult of heroes. He believed that only those who have a victorious desire for power should rule in society and the state. The success of the will leading to power cited as an argument an idealism based on a constant striving for personal higher goals, and this is the weakness and danger of his science, which is a mixture of Scottish puritanism and German idealism.
In politics, he played a big role as a theoretician of imperialism, defending the idea of the historical mission of the British people to embrace the whole world. From journalism, it should be noted, first of all, the philosophical and historical reflections “Heroes, the veneration of heroes and the heroic in history”, “On the French Revolution”, “Sartor Resartus. The Life and Thoughts of Mr. Teufelsdrock” and others.
Philosophical views on life
Fascinated by German romanticism, he left Calvinism. His passion for romantic philosophy was expressed in the translation of Goethe's book "The Years of Science by Wilhelm Meister" and the work "The Life of Schiller". From romanticism, he drew, first of all, a deeply developed individualism (Byronism).
In the center of Carlyle's works is a hero, an outstanding personality, overcoming himself with the power of vital activity, primarily moral. In emphasizing the superiority of the moral qualities of the hero over the intellectual, one can see the influence of puritanism. Despite this, Carlyle also blindly accepted Nietzsche's anthropology.
end of being
Thomas Carlyle, whose photo is presented in the article, died on February 5, 1881 in London. After the official farewell ceremony, his remains were transferred to Scotland, where he was buried in the same cemetery with his parents.
Thomas Carlyle: aphorisms and quotes
Among his most famous aphorisms are the following:
- Every outstanding work at first glance seems impossible.
- Love is not the same as insanity, but they have a lot in common.
- Without pressure, there will be no diamonds.
- A person who wants to work, but cannot find a job - this is perhaps the saddest situation presented to us by fate.
- Isolation is the result of human misery.
- My wealth is not what I have, but what I do.
- In every phenomenon, the beginning is always the most memorable moment.
- Selfishness is the source and result of all mistakes and suffering.
- No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is only biographies of great people.
- Endurance is concentrated patience.
Thomas Carlyle, whose quotes are full of wisdom and depth, left a bright mark on the history of philosophical thought.
