Leonard Woolf
Leonard Woolf
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Full name: Leonard Sidney Woolf
Common aliases: None notable
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 25, 1880, in London, England
Died on August 14, 1969, at the age of 88
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: British
Professions:
Diplomat (served as a civil servant in Ceylon and later as the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs)
Author (published several books on politics, economics, and social issues)
Politician (standing as a Labour Party candidate in the 1935 election)Early Life and Background
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Leonard Woolf was born into a middle-class Jewish family in London. His father, Isaac Woolf, was a solicitor, and his mother, Minna Woolf, was a strong-willed woman who instilled in her son a love for literature and learning. Leonard showed an early talent for writing and was educated at the City of London School before attending King's College, Cambridge, where he studied history.
Major Accomplishments
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During World War I, Leonard served as a diplomat in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he played a key role in shaping the country's future. He later became the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and was involved in several high-profile negotiations with other nations.
Leonard was also an accomplished author, publishing several books on politics, economics, and social issues. His most famous work is perhaps "Sowing the Wind: 1914-18," which details his experiences during World War I.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Leonard's notable works include:
"Sowing the Wind: 1914-18" (1931) - a personal account of his experiences during World War I
"Empire and Commerce in Africa: A Study in Economic Relations Between Europe and Africa, 1780-1870" (1928) - a historical analysis of European-African economic relations
"Imperialism and Civilization" (1929) - an exploration of the relationship between imperialism and civilization
Leonard's actions as a diplomat and politician also had significant impacts on international relations. He played a key role in shaping Ceylon's future, worked towards establishing the League of Nations, and was involved in several high-profile negotiations.
Impact and Legacy
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Leonard Woolf's contributions to politics, diplomacy, and literature have left a lasting impact on society. His experiences during World War I shaped his views on imperialism and international relations, influencing his later work as a diplomat and politician.
As an author, Leonard's works continue to be studied by scholars and historians. His personal account of World War I, "Sowing the Wind: 1914-18," offers a unique perspective on one of history's most pivotal events.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Leonard Woolf is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Influence on international relations: As a diplomat, Leonard played a key role in shaping Ceylon's future and worked towards establishing the League of Nations.
Insightful writing: His personal account of World War I and his analysis of European-African economic relations offer valuable insights into historical events.
* Commitment to social justice: As a politician, Leonard stood as a Labour Party candidate in the 1935 election, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and equality.
Overall, Leonard Woolf's life was marked by significant achievements in politics, diplomacy, and literature. His impact on international relations, writing, and social justice continues to be felt today.
Quotes by Leonard Woolf

Nothing matters. You get yourself into a state in which you imagine things which have no basis in reality... One begins for some reason to worry about something and, if one allows oneself to go on doing that, one gradually imagines all kinds of things. It is a kind of self-indulgence and one gets into a perpetual daydream. It is essential to stop this process and face the real world – which is never so bad as all that.

Leonard Woolf in a letter to Lytton Strachey said he hated John Maynard Keynes “for his crass stupidity and hideous face”.


Leonard Woolf in a letter to Lytton Strachey said he hated John Maynard Keynes "for his crass stupidity and hideous face".

At the best and even unexpurgated, diaries give a distorted or one-sided portrait of the writer.

Anyone can be a barbarian; it requires a terrible effort to remain a civilized man.



