An Autobiography, Part 1

by Herbert Spencer

Herbert An Autobiography V1 is a book written by Herbert Spencer himself, detailing his life story from his childhood to his adult years. The book is divided into several chapters, each of which covers a different period in his life. Spencer was a prominent philosopher, sociologist, and political theorist during the 19th century, and his autobiography provides insights into his personal and professional life.The first chapter of the book covers Spencer's childhood and early years, including his education and upbringing. The subsequent chapters detail his career as a journalist and writer, as well as his work as a philosopher and sociologist. The book also discusses his views on evolution, social Darwinism, and individualism, which were highly influential during his time.Throughout the book, Spencer provides a detailed account of his personal and professional relationships, including his interactions with other prominent thinkers of his time. The book also includes several anecdotes and personal reflections, giving readers a glimpse into Spencer's personality and character.Overall, Herbert An Autobiography V1 is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the life and works of this influential philosopher and social theorist. It provides a unique perspective on the intellectual and cultural landscape of the 19th century, as well as insights into the life of one of its most important figures.Volume One of Two. Other volumes in this set are ISBN(s): 1417970324.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Nonfiction

588 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1904

About the author

Herbert Spencer was an English philosopher, biologist, anthropologist, sociologist, and prominent classical liberal political theorist of the Victorian era.

Spencer developed an all-embracing conception of evolution as the progressive development of the physical world, biological organisms, the human mind, and human culture and societies. He was "an enthusiastic exponent of evolution" and even "wrote about evolution before Darwin did." As a polymath, he contributed to a wide range of subjects, including ethics, religion, anthropology, economics, political theory, philosophy, literature, biology, sociology, and psychology. During his lifetime he achieved tremendous authority, mainly in English-speaking academia. "The only other English philosopher to have achieved anything like such widespread popularity was Bertrand Russell, and that was in the 20th century." Spencer was "the single most famous European intellectual in the closing decades of the nineteenth century" but his influence declined sharply after 1900; "Who now reads Spencer?" asked Talcott Parsons in 1937.

Spencer is best known for coining the expression "survival of the fittest", which he did in Principles of Biology (1864), after reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. This term strongly suggests natural selection, yet as Spencer extended evolution into realms of sociology and ethics, he also made use of Lamarckism.

Reviews

[Muaz Jalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the first edition 1904 version. It was a delight to read. Finished it in little over 2 days. Interesting info, Spencer's grave is just opposite to Marx in Highgate; visited it some time ago. Lucid writing and captures what it felt like in Victorian era. Volume 1 is about his growth and how he becomes the intellectual.

[Avis Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

People who wander into this book expecting the thick, fuliginous prose characteristic of philosophers will be surprised; Spencer can write quite well when he's aiming for the masses. A very interesting view into the mind of one of the great thinkers. Spencer had his peculiarities; he was a fanatical walker whose feats of mileage are awesome to read about, and he suffered nearly all his life from an undiagnosed thyroid problem.

Available online here:
https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/spe...