Michael Foley
Michael Foley
Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Joseph Kelly Foley was an American author, journalist, and scholar known for his contributions to the fields of literature, history, and culture.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 10, 1954, in Dublin, Ireland, Foley passed away on April 13, 2021.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Foley held dual citizenship of the United States and Ireland. He was a renowned author, journalist, and scholar who worked extensively in various fields, including literature, history, culture, and philosophy.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Dublin, Foley developed an early interest in literature and history. He attended University College Dublin (UCD), where he studied English Literature and History. After completing his undergraduate degree, Foley pursued a Master's degree in Modern American Literature at the University of Notre Dame. This marked the beginning of his academic and professional journey.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Foley achieved numerous milestones that solidified his reputation as an accomplished author and scholar. His notable works include "The Humanizing Brain: Where Relationships Meet Reason"_, _"The Book as Artefact in the Age of Digital Media,"_ and _"Writing and Illness."_ These publications showcased his expertise in various areas, from literary theory to cultural studies.
Notable Works or Actions
Foley's academic pursuits took him across multiple continents. He taught at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University. His commitment to understanding the intersections between culture, literature, and technology led him to hold various visiting professorships worldwide.
In addition to his teaching and writing endeavors, Foley contributed significantly to the realm of cultural criticism. He was a vocal advocate for issues related to digital media, intellectual property rights, and literary preservation. His work aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in real-world contexts.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Foley's profound influence can be seen across various fields he contributed to. As an author, scholar, and educator, he fostered a new understanding of literature, culture, and history by examining their connections with modern technology and societal issues. His work continues to inspire students, researchers, and professionals alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Foley's extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on the world of scholarship. His ability to engage complex topics in an accessible manner made his ideas relevant not only to academics but also to a broader audience. As a result, Foley is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful commentary on cultural developments and intellectual debates.
His writings remain a testament to his innovative thinking and dedication to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Through his contributions, he has left behind a legacy that will continue to influence scholarly discussions in the years to come.
Quotes by Michael Foley
Marxists interpreted everything in terms of class; Freudians in terms of childhood; and feminists in terms of gender.
Day offers two equally necessary sacraments – the benediction of morning and the absolution of dusk. In the morning coffee blesses and in the evening wine absolves.
It may well be that an analysis of figures would reveal a law – the duration of a marriage is inversely proportional to the cost of the wedding. Or, to put it another way, any union celebrated with personalized toasting flutes is doomed.
It is not possible to be original by trying to be original – those who attempt this in the arts will be merely avant-garde. Originality is the product of an impulse to intense and overwhelming that it bursts the conventions and produces something new – again more by accident than design.
Stupidity, selfishness and good health are the three prerequisites of happiness, though if stupidity is lacking the others are useless.
However, the serious seeker of detachment will have to embrace the Holy Trinity of Ss – Solitude, Stillness and Silence – and reject the new religion of Commotionism, which believes that the meaning of life is constant company, movement and noise.
But there is a compelling reason to develop a personal strategy for living. Rejecting issues, which often feels liberating, is actually enslavement. Those who do not produce their own solutions must be using someone else's. As Nietzsche warned 'he who cannot obey himself will be commanded'.