John Galsworthy
John Galsworthy: A Life of Literature and Activism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
John Galsworthy was born on August 14, 1867, in Kingston upon Thames, England. He is often referred to as the celebrated English novelist, playwright, and social activist.
Birth and Death Dates
Galsworthy lived a full life spanning 76 years, passing away on January 31, 1933, in London, England.
Nationality and Profession(s)
John Galsworthy was a British national, identifying with the English literary tradition. His primary profession was that of a writer, producing notable works as a novelist, playwright, and essayist.
Early Life and Background
Galsworthy's family was influential in shaping his worldview and literary inclinations. His father, John Henry Galsworthy, was a solicitor who served as a Member of Parliament for a brief period. The family's social standing and values instilled in him the importance of social justice and equality. Galsworthy's early life was marked by a love for the arts, which he pursued through education at Harrow School and later at New College, Oxford.
Major Accomplishments
Galsworthy's literary career took off with his first novel, Forsyte Saga, published in 1906. This work, comprising five novels and several short stories, is widely regarded as one of the most significant contributions to English literature in the 20th century. Galsworthy's writing often explored themes of social class, morality, and personal relationships.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
The Forsyte Saga, a five-novel series that spans over three generations
Strife, a play that dramatized the struggles of workers in the Welsh coal mines
A Modern Comedy*, a novel that critiques societal norms and expectations
Galsworthy's commitment to social justice extended beyond his writing. He was an active member of various organizations, advocating for reform in areas such as industrial conditions, education, and international cooperation.
Impact and Legacy
John Galsworthy's impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. His works not only reflected the complexities of human relationships but also challenged societal norms. His commitment to social justice inspired a generation of writers and thinkers.
Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932, recognizing his contributions to English literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Galsworthy's legacy extends beyond his literary works. He is remembered as a champion of social justice, using his platform to advocate for change and inspire others to do the same. His commitment to equality and fairness continues to resonate with readers today.
Galsworthy's quotes often focus on themes of morality, responsibility, and the importance of human relationships in shaping society.
Quotes by John Galsworthy
John Galsworthy's insights on:
Youth, like a flame, burned ever in his breast, and to youth he turned, to the round little limbs, so reckless, that wanted care, to the small round faces so unreasonably solemn or bright, to the treble tongues, and the shrill, chuckling laughter, to the insistent tugging hands, and the feel of small bodies against his legs, to all that was young and young, and once more young.
It’s always worth while before you do anything to consider whether it’s going to hurt another person more than is absolutely necessary.
Humanism is the creed of those who believe that in the circle of enwrapping mystery, men’s fates are in their own hands – a faith that for modern man is becoming the only possible faith.
He might wish and wish and never get it – the beauty and the loving in the world!
Love! Beyond meaure – beyond death – it nearly kills. But one wouldn’t have been without it.
How to save the old that’s worth saving, whether in landscape, houses, manners, institutions, or human types, is one of our greatest problems, and the one that we bother least about.
Religion was nearly dead because there was no longer real belief in future life; but something was struggling to take its place – service – social service – the ants creed, the bees creed.
It isn’t enough to love people because they’re good to you, or because in some way or other you’re going to get something by it. We have to love because we love loving.