James Howell
James Howell: A Man of Many Talents and Quotable Words
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Full Name and Common Aliases
James Howell was a Welsh clergyman, scholar, and writer who lived during the 17th century. He is also known by his full name, James Howell, and sometimes referred to as Father James or simply Howell.
Birth and Death Dates
Born in 1594 in Trefonen, Shropshire (now Wales), James Howell was a product of the tumultuous era that gave rise to some of England's most notable thinkers. He passed away on May 20, 1666, at the age of 72.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A Welshman by birth, Howell was a clergyman in the Church of England, as well as a renowned scholar and writer. His profession spanned multiple fields: theology, literature, and history. He is perhaps best known for his extensive writings on politics, philosophy, and language.
Early Life and Background
Howell's early life was marked by an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. Growing up in a region of significant linguistic and cultural diversity, he developed a keen interest in languages and their relationships to one another. His love for learning led him to study at Oxford University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree.
Major Accomplishments
During his lifetime, Howell achieved considerable success as a writer and scholar. He authored numerous books on various subjects, including:
Lexicon Tetraglotton: A four-language dictionary covering English, Latin, French, and Spanish.
English Proverbs: A collection of over 1,000 English proverbs that remains one of the most comprehensive works in its field to this day.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his written contributions, Howell played a significant role in promoting knowledge and understanding between nations. His diplomatic assignments took him to various European countries, where he used his linguistic skills and cultural expertise to facilitate communication and cooperation.
Impact and Legacy
Howell's impact on English language and culture is immeasurable. His English Proverbs, with its exhaustive collection of sayings, has influenced generations of writers, poets, and thinkers. Furthermore, his contributions to the field of linguistics have helped establish the foundations for modern language studies.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
James Howell's enduring legacy can be attributed to his tireless dedication to scholarship, diplomacy, and linguistic exploration. His extensive writings on politics, philosophy, and language have provided a wealth of insight into the human experience. As a result, he remains widely quoted and remembered as one of the most remarkable figures in English literary history.
With his vast knowledge, engaging personality, and invaluable contributions to various fields, James Howell has secured a permanent place in the annals of time.
Quotes by James Howell
James Howell's insights on:
Appeles us’d to paint a good housewife upon a snayl; which intimated that she should be as slow from gadding abroad, and when she went she should carry her house upon her back; that is, she should make all sure at home.
Distance sometimes endears friendships, and sweetens it – for separation from those we love shows us, by the loss, their real value and dearness to us.
French wines may be said but to pickle meat in the stomach, but this is the wine that digests, and doth not only breed good blood, but it nutrifieth also, being a glutinous substantial liquor; of this wine, if of any other, may be verified that merry induction: That good wine makes good blood, good blood causeth good humors, good humors cause good thoughts, good thoughts bring forth good works, good works carry a man to heaven, ergo, good wine carrieth a man to heaven.