December 23rd , 1812
Samuel Smiles (23 December 1812 – 16 April 1904) was a British author and government reformer, was born on December 23, 1812, in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland.
Although he campaigned on a Chartist platform, he promoted the idea that more progress would come from new attitudes than from new laws. His primary work, Self-Help (1859), promoted thrift and claimed that poverty was caused largely by irresponsible habits, while also attacking materialism and laissez-faire government. It has been called “the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism” and had lasting effects on British political thought.
Early Life and Education
Smiles was born into a modest family and demonstrated a strong inclination towards education and self-improvement from an early age. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and initially pursued a career in medicine.
Journalism and Reform Movements
Smiles shifted his focus from medicine to journalism and became involved in reform movements. He was a strong advocate for political and social reform, supporting the values of self-help and self-improvement.
“Self-Help” (1859)
Smiles is best known for his book “Self-Help,” published in 1859. This book, which emphasized hard work, perseverance, and a moral duty towards self-improvement, became immensely popular and is considered one of the early texts in the genre of self-help.
Influence on Self-Help Genre
“Self-Help” had a considerable impact on Victorian society and the broader self-help movement. The book’s emphasis on individual responsibility and the power of personal effort resonated with the Victorian ethos and the emerging middle class.
Other Works
Beyond “Self-Help,” Smiles wrote several other books focusing on biography, history, and self-improvement. His works often highlighted the lives of engineers, inventors, and industrialists, celebrating their contributions to society and their embodiment of the self-help principle.
Legacy
Samuel Smiles’ legacy lies in his promotion of self-reliance and individual initiative. His writings reflected and helped shape the values of the Victorian era, particularly the belief in progress through personal effort.
Criticism and Context
While Smiles’ work was influential, it has also been subject to criticism. Some modern critics argue that his emphasis on individualism overlooked broader social and economic factors that affect people’s ability to succeed.
Samuel Smiles remains an important figure in the history of self-help literature and Victorian culture. His advocacy of self-reliance and hard work continues to be referenced in discussions about personal development and social progress.
