Thomas Carlyle considered Oliver Cromwell the greatest English example of an ideal man. Cromwell, an English soldier and statesman who led parliamentary forces in the English Civil Wars, embodied the practical wisdom and moral rectitude Carlyle admired in his "heroes."
Carlyle's Vision of the Ideal Man
Thomas Carlyle, a prominent Scottish historian, philosopher, and essayist of the Victorian era, famously articulated his views on leadership and human greatness in his work, particularly On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History (1841). In this series of lectures, Carlyle posited that history is shaped by the actions of "Great Men," a concept later dubbed the Great Man Theory. For Carlyle, these heroes were individuals of immense spiritual and moral strength who possessed the insight and will to guide society.
Why Oliver Cromwell?
Carlyle saw Oliver Cromwell as the quintessential "Hero as King" – a man who rose to power not through birthright but through sheer force of character, integrity, and decisive action. Cromwell's leadership during a tumultuous period in English history, his firm Protestant convictions, and his ability to establish order were qualities deeply revered by Carlyle. He viewed Cromwell as a genuine leader who, despite being controversial in his own time, was a sincere and practical man committed to truth and justice, leading England out of chaos.
- Practicality and Action: Cromwell was a man of action, capable of military and political leadership. Carlyle valued this practicality over abstract theories.
- Moral Sincerity: Carlyle believed Cromwell was driven by deep moral and religious convictions, not personal gain, making him a true and authentic leader.
- Restoration of Order: In Carlyle's view, Cromwell brought much-needed order and governance to England during a period of civil strife.
Broader Context: Carlyle's "Heroes"
Carlyle's pantheon of heroes included various figures from different eras and fields, illustrating his diverse understanding of greatness. Each represented a specific type of hero, demonstrating leadership, creativity, or moral fortitude.
| Hero Type (Carlyle's Lectures) | Key Example(s) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Hero as Divinity | Odin | Represents primal truth and myth. |
| The Hero as Prophet | Muhammad | Embodies spiritual truth and divine inspiration. |
| The Hero as Poet | Dante, Shakespeare | Represents imaginative truth and artistic genius. |
| The Hero as Priest | Luther, Knox | Champions religious reform and moral courage. |
| The Hero as Man of Letters | Rousseau, Burns, Johnson | Reflects intellectual influence and social commentary. |
| The Hero as King | Oliver Cromwell, Frederick the Great | Embodies practical leadership, governance, and the ability to lead men effectively. |
While Oliver Cromwell was Carlyle's ideal English man, Carlyle also admired Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, as another "hero as king." Frederick exemplified a strong, decisive ruler and military strategist who shaped his nation's destiny, fitting Carlyle's criteria for a leader capable of wielding power effectively and for the good of the state. However, it was Cromwell who stood as the pinnacle of English heroism for Carlyle.
Learn more about Thomas Carlyle's influence on the Great Man Theory.
