Henry Home, Lord Kames
Henry Home, Lord Kames
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Henry Home was born as Henry Scott in 1696, but he is more commonly known by his later title of Lord Kames. His full name after receiving a Scottish baronetcy was Sir Henry Home, Bart.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 20, 1696, in Ninewells, Berwickshire, Scotland, Lord Kames lived a long life, passing away on April 27, 1782, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lord Kames was a Scottish philosopher, historian, and judge. He held prominent positions in both law and academia during his lifetime.
Early Life and Background
Henry Scott's early life was marked by education in literature and philosophy under the guidance of his father and tutors at home. His family encouraged intellectual pursuits from an early age, laying the groundwork for a future career that would span the realms of law, history, and philosophy.
Growing up during a period of significant social change in Scotland, Home was witness to the cultural shifts towards greater Enlightenment values. This context likely influenced his own philosophical leanings, shaping his understanding of human nature and societal evolution.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his life, Lord Kames made substantial contributions across multiple fields:
- Judge: He served as a judge on the Court of Session in Scotland and was involved in several notable cases.
- Academic: Kames taught at the University of Edinburgh, where he played a significant role in shaping the institution's focus towards more practical and scientific pursuits.
- Historian and Philosopher: His work on Scottish history is still valued today. He also published influential philosophical works that reflected his views on human nature, societal progress, and the role of reason.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Lord Kames' notable publications are:
- "Sketches of the History of Man" (1774): This work is a comprehensive attempt to explain human development and culture through historical and anthropological study.
- "Essays on the Principles of Morality and Natural Religion" (1751): Here, he discusses key issues in ethics and morality from an empirical perspective.
Impact and Legacy
Lord Kames' influence extends into several areas:
- Philosophy: His work was crucial in spreading Enlightenment ideas about human nature and societal progress.
- Education: His contributions to the development of a more practical approach to education at the University of Edinburgh helped shape Scottish academia.
- Law: As a judge, he played a significant role in shaping legal precedents.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lord Kames is remembered for his insightful works on history, philosophy, and law. His contributions towards spreading Enlightenment values, particularly through "Sketches of the History of Man," have made him a figure of note in both historical and philosophical scholarship.
Quotes by Henry Home, Lord Kames
As nice as we are in love, we forgive more faults in that than in friendship.
Were wisdom to be sold, she would give no price; every man is satisfied with the share he has from nature.
No man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself.
Luxury may possibly contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no poor.
Parsimony is enough to make the master of the golden mines as poor as he that has nothing; for a man may be brought to a morsel of bread by parsimony as well as profusion.
An agreeable figure and winning manner, which inspire affection without love, are always new. Beauty loses its relish, the graces never, after the longest acquaintance, they are no less agreeable than at first.
We part more easily with what we possess, than with our expectations of what we wish for; because expectation always goes beyond enjoyment.