Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, and historian. A central figure of the Victorian era, he exerted a profound influence on 19th-century thought. He was known for his idiosyncratic and often confrontational writing style, which blended history, philosophy, and personal opinion. Carlyle developed the "Great Man" theory, a view that history is largely the product of the actions of a few heroic individuals, a theme he explored in his work On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History.
Carlyle's early life was marked by intellectual struggle and poverty, but he eventually rose to become one of the most respected and controversial intellectuals of his time. His work often explored themes of industrialization, democracy, and the spiritual decay of modern society. He was a champion of hard work and self-reliance, and his ideas were both inspiring to many and unsettling to others. Though his reputation has since been re-evaluated, his influence on historical writing and his unique literary voice remain undeniable.
