Carlyle

Thomas Carlyle

Thomas Carlyle was a “difficult and cranky old man” who had and enormous influence on Victorian writers. His influence with the Victorian writers was so substantial it was stated that even if all his books were burnt “it would only be like cutting down an oak after all its acorns have sown the forest.” Carlyle was raised in a very strict family who emphasized the importance of hard work. If it weren’t for this, Carlyle may not have have been the writer he became. His dedication to his work not only contributed to our literary libraries, but it also allowed him to marry the love of his life. I found it very interesting that although his wife, at least at first, did not see Carlyle as the man for her, he wouldn’t let it go. He predicted the weather and everything for their wedding and didn’t not give up until it came true. There was no doubt in his mind that he would accomplish his goal once his mind was set to it, both in relation to work and personal affairs, and I think that is an important trait many more people should possess. He also stated a good quote in his piece “Labour [know thy work]” which states “Doubt of whatever kind can be ended by Action alone.” Again, his follow through makes his words even more meaningful.

In the piece “Labour [know thy work]” Carlyle speaks of the importance of the working man and how valuable his work actually is. Carlyle actually valued ‘work’ so much, at one point he preached the Gospel of Work to his generation. In the beginning of his piece he says, “ There is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in Idleness alone there is perpetual despair.” This is a very strong and true statement that I feel our generation needs to be aware of. So many time people complain about their retail jobs and cranky customers when we consider work today would be kids play in the past. We, as a society, have become spoiled and expect everything to be handed to us or to barely to do anything and expect the full benefits of what we could have gotten had we “earnestly” worked for it. If Carlyle were here today, I feel that he’d be very disappointed, if not ashamed, at how spoiled we have become. Carlyle is indeed a very intelligent and insightful man. While his works were interesting, I would honestly have to say his works wouldn’t be the first thing I’d grab out of selection. He has very good morals and I respect what he has contributed to us, but I’d expect to see him in a history class more so than literature.