William Cobbett
William Cobbett: A Life of Passion, Principle, and Journalism
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Cobbett was born on March 9, 1763, in Farnham, Surrey, England. His full name is often cited as William Cobbett, although he occasionally used the alias "Peter Porcupine" to pen his writings for American audiences.
Birth and Death Dates
March 9, 1763 - June 18, 1835
Nationality and Profession(s)
English journalist, farmer, politician, and writer. Cobbett's prolific career spanned various fields, including journalism, politics, farming, and literature.
Early Life and Background
Cobbett was born to a humble family of modest means. His father, William Cobbett Sr., was a gardener at Farnham Park, while his mother, Ann Dibden, came from a family of small farmers. The young Cobbett received little formal education but demonstrated an early aptitude for writing and reading. He worked as a gardener and later became involved in local politics before turning to journalism.
Major Accomplishments
Cobbett's life was marked by numerous significant accomplishments:
Agricultural Reforms: As a farmer, Cobbett implemented innovative techniques that improved crop yields and reduced costs.
Journalistic Prowess: He established himself as one of the most influential journalists of his time through his writings in publications such as _Porcupine's Gazette_ (1787) and _The Weekly Political Register_ (1802).
Political Activism: Cobbett played a key role in shaping British politics, advocating for parliamentary reform, and opposing the Corn Laws.
Literary Contributions: He authored several notable works, including _A History of the Protestant Reformation in England and Ireland_ (1827) and _Rural Rides_ (1830).
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Cobbett's most notable works include:
Rural Rides (1830): A series of essays that chronicled his travels across rural England, highlighting the struggles faced by common people.
A History of the Protestant Reformation in England and Ireland (1827): A comprehensive history of the English Reformation, which showcased Cobbett's scholarly prowess.
Porcupine's Gazette (1787): A newspaper he founded to promote American independence from Britain.Impact and Legacy
Cobbett's impact on British society was profound:
Advocate for Reform: His tireless advocacy for parliamentary reform helped pave the way for significant legislative changes.
Voice for the Common Man: Cobbett's writings provided a platform for marginalized voices, shedding light on issues affecting ordinary people.
Influence on Later Journalists: His journalistic style and approach have inspired generations of writers and editors.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Cobbett is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Unwavering Principles: Cobbett remained committed to his values, even in the face of adversity.
Passionate Journalism: His writings continue to captivate readers with their wit, insight, and conviction.
* Lasting Impact on Society: Cobbett's contributions have had a lasting impact on British politics, agriculture, and literature.
Quotes by William Cobbett
William Cobbett's insights on:
The great security of all is to eat little and to drink nothing that intoxicates. He that eats till he is full is little better than a beast, and he that drinks till he is drunk is quite a beast.
To live well, to enjoy all things that make life pleasant, is the right of every man who constantly uses his strength judiciously and lawfully.
There never yet was, and never will be, a nation permanently great, consisting, for the greater part, of wretched and miserable families.
Endless are the instances of men of bright parts and high spirit having been, by degrees, rendered powerless and despicable by their imaginary wants.
The very hirelings of the press, whose trade it is to buoy up the spirits of the people, have uttered falsehoods so long, they have played off so many tricks, that their budget seems, at last, to be quite empty.
To be without sure and safe friends in the world makes life not worth having; and whom can we be so sure of as of our children?
The taste of the times is, unhappily, to give to children something of book-learning, with a view of placing them to live, in some way or other, upon the labour of other people.
Never - no, not for one moment - believe that any human being, with sense in his skull, will love or respect you on account of your fine or costly clothes.
To have a dutiful family, the father's principle of rule must be love, not fear. His sway must be gentle, or he will have only an unwilling and short-lived obedience.
From a very early age I had imbibed the opinion that it was every man’s duty to do all that lay in his power to leave his country as good as he had found it.