Joel Barlow
Joel Barlow
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Joel Barlow was an American poet, politician, diplomat, and writer who is often associated with the Democratic-Republican Party and the Transcendentalist movement. He was also known as "The Bard of Connecticut".
Birth and Death Dates
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Barlow was born on March 24, 1754, in Redding, Connecticut, and passed away on December 25, 1812.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Joel Barlow was an American citizen, and his profession spanned multiple fields: poet, politician, diplomat, writer, and lawyer.
Early Life and Background
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Born into a family of modest means, Joel Barlow showed an early aptitude for learning. He attended the Redding Academy, where he excelled in languages, particularly Greek and Latin. After completing his studies, he moved to New Haven to attend college, but soon transferred to Yale College, where he graduated in 1778.
During his time at Yale, Barlow became increasingly interested in politics and writing. He began to write poetry and was heavily influenced by the works of Alexander Pope and Horace. In 1785, he moved to France, where he hoped to establish himself as a writer and politician.
Major Accomplishments
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Joel Barlow's accomplishments can be divided into several areas:
Politics: He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1784 and later served in the U.S. Senate from 1791 to 1796.
Diplomacy: In 1800, he became a diplomat for the United States, serving as a representative in France and later in Spain.
Writing: His most notable works include "The Vision of Columbus" (1787), "Advice to the Privileged Orders" (1792-1793), and "Columbus; or, The Discovery of America" (1806-1807).Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Barlow's notable works include:
The Vision of Columbus (1787): A long narrative poem that tells the story of Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World.
Advice to the Privileged Orders (1792-1793): An essay collection in which Barlow argues for social and economic reform.
Columbus; or, The Discovery of America (1806-1807): A poem that recounts the story of Columbus's voyage.
Impact and Legacy
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Joel Barlow played an important role in American history as a writer, politician, and diplomat. His poetry and essays reflected his progressive views on social and economic reform, which influenced many of his contemporaries.
He was one of the first Americans to write extensively about the rights of women and social justice.
His diplomatic efforts helped secure favorable trade agreements with European nations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Joel Barlow is widely remembered for his contributions to American literature, politics, and diplomacy. His poetry and essays remain influential in contemporary discussions about social and economic reform.
As a pioneer of the Transcendentalist movement, he helped shape American thought on individualism, self-reliance, and spirituality.
Quotes by Joel Barlow
The danger (where there is any) from armed citizens, is only to the *government*, not to *society*; and as long as they have nothing to revenge in the government (which they cannot have while it is in their own hands) there are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.
He who thinks to save anything by his religion, besides his soul, will be a loser in the end.
In raising a people from slavery to freedom, you have called them to act on a new theatre; and it is a necessary part of your business, to teach them how to perform their parts.
The fine arts, both in those who cultivate and those only who admire them, open and expand the mind to great ideas. They inspire liberal feelings, create a harmony of temper, favorable to a sense of justice and a habit of moderation in our social intercourse.
![[The disarming of citizens] has a double effect, it palsies the hand and brutalizes the mind: a habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral [force]; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-1052415.png&w=1536&q=100)
[The disarming of citizens] has a double effect, it palsies the hand and brutalizes the mind: a habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral [force]; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.
How could you fear a dearth? Have not mankind tho' slain by millions, millions left behind?
There are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.
I sing the sweets I know, the charms I feel, my morning incense, and my evening meal, the sweets of hasty pudding.
A habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.
