Howard Mumford Jones
Howard Mumford Jones
Full Name and Common Aliases
Howard Mumford Jones was a renowned American scholar, literary critic, and historian. He is commonly known by his full name, Howard Mumford Jones.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 28, 1892, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jones passed away on June 29, 1980, at the age of 88.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jones was an American scholar who held multiple professions throughout his career. He was a literary critic, historian, professor, and author.
Early Life and Background
Howard Mumford Jones grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he developed a passion for literature and history at a young age. His father, a civil engineer, encouraged his son's love for reading and learning. After completing high school, Jones attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He later transferred to Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1913.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Jones achieved numerous milestones that solidified his reputation as a prominent scholar. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Serving as the president of the American Historical Association (AHA) from 1950 to 1951.
Holding positions at various prestigious institutions, such as Harvard University and the University of Michigan.
Being appointed as a member of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Notable Works or Actions
Jones was an accomplished author who published numerous books on literature and history. Some of his notable works include:
The Life of Woodrow Wilson (1934) - A two-volume biography that earned him critical acclaim.
The Age of Energy: An Economic History of the 19th Century (1957) - A book that highlighted his expertise in economic history.
O Strange New World! American Culture, the Formative Years (1963) - A work that explored America's cultural transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Impact and Legacy
Howard Mumford Jones left an indelible mark on academia and beyond. His contributions to literature, history, and education continue to inspire future generations:
His commitment to interdisciplinary research paved the way for innovative approaches in scholarship.
As a dedicated educator, he inspired countless students to pursue careers in academia.
Through his numerous publications, Jones shed light on America's rich cultural heritage.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Howard Mumford Jones is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Enduring legacy: His contributions continue to influence scholars across various disciplines.
Authoritative voice: As a respected historian and literary critic, he offered insightful perspectives on American culture and society.
Passion for learning: Jones' enthusiasm for knowledge inspired students and peers alike, making him a beloved figure in academia.
Quotes by Howard Mumford Jones

The incessant struggle of the mind to be true to itself, to absorb new truths, to grow, to overcome pressures – these are the painful portion of the independent thinker. Almost his sole reward is the satisfaction of integrity.

Except to heaven, she is nought; Except for angels, lone; Except to some wide-wandering bee, A flower superfluous blown; Except for winds, provincial; Except by butterflies, Unnoticed as a single dew That on the acre lies.

If the equality of individuals and the dignity of man be myths, they are myths to which the republic is committed.

Ours is the age which is proud of machines that think and suspicious of men who try to.

Except to heaven, she is nought; Except for angels, lone; Except to some wide-wandering bee, A flower superfluous blown; Except for winds, provincial; Except by butterflies, Unnoticed as a single dew That on the acre lies

The incessant struggle of the mind to be true to itself, to absorb new truths, to grow, to overcome pressures--these are the painful portion of the independent thinker. Almost his sole reward is the satisfaction of integrity.

To find out what we presently are and where we are going, we must know what we have been and what others have done; and this, because the humanities are at once the creation and the interpreters of the past, is the great purpose of humanistic scholarship.

Nature seen from the point of view of common sense is commodity; from the point of view of reason it is an alphabet or allegory of divinity.

When he died, Emerson was thought of as the representative American writer par excellence, and his point of view was still so potent that William James was honored to be asked to speak at a centenary celebration.

Emerson was the chief figure in the American transcendental movement, a fact that complicates all accounts of him in literary or cultural history.