Irving Babbitt

Irving Babbitt, born on August second, eighteen sixty-five, was a prominent American literary critic, journalist, and writer. He is best known for his pivotal role in establishing the New Humanism movement, which significantly shaped literary discourse and conservative thought during the early twentieth century, particularly between nineteen ten and nineteen thirty.

A cultural critic in the tradition of Matthew Arnold, Babbitt was a staunch opponent of romanticism, particularly as articulated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His political philosophy aligns closely with the ideas of Aristotle and Edmund Burke, reflecting a commitment to classical humanism while also advocating for a broad understanding of various moral and religious traditions.

Among his notable works, the book 'Democracy and Leadership,' published in nineteen twenty-four, stands out as a classic text in the realm of political conservatism. Babbitt's insights and critiques have left a lasting impact on American cultural and political conservatism, marking him as a significant figure in the intellectual landscape of his time.