David Livingstone
Full Name and Common Aliases
David Livingstone was a renowned Scottish missionary, explorer, and abolitionist. His full name was David Livingston (note: his middle name is often listed as "Living" rather than "Livingston", but the latter is more commonly used).
Birth and Death Dates
He was born on March 19, 1813, in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and passed away on April 1, 1873, at the age of 60, while on an expedition in what is now Zambia.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Livingstone was a Scottish citizen by birth and is widely regarded as one of the most prominent explorers of his time. He worked as a missionary for the London Missionary Society (LMS) in Africa and later became a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement against slavery.
Early Life and Background
David Livingstone was born to Neil Livingston, a weaver, and his wife, Sarah Carruthers, in Blantyre, Scotland. At the age of 10, he began working at a textile mill due to economic necessity. However, his desire for education led him to study theology and eventually become a missionary.
Major Accomplishments
Livingstone is famous for several groundbreaking achievements:
He was one of the first European explorers to reach the Zambezi River in what is now Zambia.
He successfully navigated the Zambezi River from its source to its mouth, providing valuable information about the geography and climate of the region.
Livingstone was an outspoken advocate for the abolition of slavery. His experiences as a missionary led him to realize the importance of ending this inhumane practice.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by or associated with David Livingstone include:
Missionary journals: He maintained detailed records of his missionary work, which included observations on local customs, diseases, and geographical features.
Reports to the LMS: Livingstone submitted regular reports to the London Missionary Society detailing his experiences and findings in Africa.
The Livingstone Inland Expedition (1858-1864) aimed to reach the source of the Zambezi River. During this expedition, he became increasingly concerned about slavery and began advocating for its abolition.
Impact and Legacy
David Livingstone's work had a profound impact on various aspects of society:
Exploration: His journeys greatly expanded European knowledge of African geography, contributing to a new era of exploration.
Abolitionist movement: Livingstone's advocacy helped bring attention to the issue of slavery, fueling the abolitionist movement in Europe and beyond.
* Medical and scientific advancements: His experiences with local diseases and medical practices led to improvements in European knowledge of tropical medicine.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Livingstone is widely quoted due to his influential writings on exploration, slavery, and social reform. Some notable quotes include:
"God made the country, but man made the town."
Quotes by David Livingstone
David Livingstone's insights on:
With others arguments are useless, and the only answer I care to give is the remark of an English sailor, who, on seeing slave-traders actually at their occupation, said to his companion, “Shiver my timbers, mate, if the devil don’t catch these fellows, we might as well have no devil at all.
All I can say in my solitude is, May Heaven’s rich blessing come down on every one – American, English, Turk – who will help to heal this open sore of the world.
Shall I tell you what supported me through all those years of exile among a people whose language I could not understand and whose attitude towards me we always uncertain and often hostile? It was this: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”.
To be aroused in the dark by five feet of cold, green snake gliding over one’s face is unpleasant.
And although I see few results, future missionaries will see conversions following every sermon. May they not forget the pioneers who worked in the thick gloom with few rays to cheer, except such as flow from faith in the precious promises of God’s Word.
There is a Ruler above, and His Providence guides all things. He is our Friend and has plenty of work for all His people to do. It is such a blessing and a privilege to be led into His work instead of into the service of the hard taskmasters – the Devil and sin.
I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which he made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.